Town of Franklin Board Newsletter
Volume 2 Issue 2 - May 2011
From the Supervisor By Art Willman
Snow, Ice, Water Havoc
Some areas totaled 4 feet above average snow fall which, as we
all know, contributed to some serious melt-water runoff. And
then the rains came. First, some heavy rains came at the
beginning of April. This was followed by some torrential rains
later in the month. All this contributed to record water levels
in our streams and rivers and never-before seen shoreline
flooding along some of the lakes. Most notably, Lake
Champlain is currently in uncharted territory at 3 ft. above
flood stage. All through our area, people who never had
flooding in their basements found water due to what could be
a near record high water table.
We had some unprecedented runoff and flooding in
some areas where culverts are just too undersized to handle all
the water. Our highway crews have been out repairing any
damage and fixing what needs to be fixed. Such areas as the
top of Tyler Road where water found its way out of the ditch
and back on to the roadway and along the Alder Brook Rd.
where an old concrete box culvert failed, causing the edge of
the road to give way are only two of the most notable
examples. Also, repairs are ongoing on the Paye Rd., Rock St.,
Alder Brook Rd., and the ever-popular Goldsmith Rd. where
the beavers have become active once again.
Town Buildings Improvements Beget
Savings
At the Garage, more repairs have begun. We replaced the
inefficient, forced-air Modine heaters with efficient radiant
tube heaters. From all accounts, these heaters are a dramatic
improvement in both the quality and quantity of heat. We
have noted a reduction in the amount of propane used as well.
Back in the fall, it was noticed that there were several screws
loose or missing in the garage roof. This has been taken care
of and we are looking ahead to repairing and painting the rake
boards and fascia if funds allow.
At the Town Hall, we have several projects in the works. This
winter, Glenn primed and painted the kitchen walls and
ceiling. This was the first step in bringing the kitchen up to
spec for Health Department approval. It also has brightened
things up considerable. The windows in the kitchen,
bathrooms, and part of the main hall and offices have been
replaced. The rest of the windows should be finished very
soon. The old, cracked, wooden exterior doors have been
replaced with new, energy-efficient doors. This, along with the
windows should result in a significant savings in fuel in the
future. We have already seen a decrease in fuel usage as a
result of the installation of a new furnace last summer. This is
the silver lining in the cloud of record high fuel prices that we
are currently experiencing. Hopefully we get some relief from
these high prices soon.
HUD Grant Application
In the area of home and property improvement, the Town,
with the aid of the Friends of the North Country, is currently
applying for a grant through HUD. Back in March, postcards
were sent out to all residents informing everyone that the
Town was going to pursue such a grant and they asked for a
response from those who wish to seek financial help for home
and property repairs. Although there was not a tremendous
response, at least not enough to pursue the full amount of
$400,000, there were enough responses to justify the
application for a grant for approximately half that amount.
The grant application will be submitted before the deadline of
May 26th and hopefully we have a positive response by late
summer or early fall. We'll keep you posted.
"Conversation Sessions" Begin
Finally, I would like to announce that I will be holding a series
of "Conversation Sessions", much like the town hall meetings
we see on TV, to be held on the 3rd Wednesday of May, June,
July, and, if response and interest is good, in August as well.
These sessions will be held at the Town Hall from 6 to 8 pm.
Since these are informal meetings, there will be no business
conducted and the entire time will be devoted to discussion of
issues that you bring. I realize that some people don't like to
bring up things at board meetings for a variety of reasons, so
this provides another opportunity for you to air your concerns,
and for me to answer your questions. Since this is informal
and there will not be minutes taken, I plan to tape record the
sessions so that I can accurately recall the issues I may need to
bring before the board. I think that open dialogue and a free
exchange of ideas and opinions are very important if we are
going to successfully function as a town. I hope to see all of
you there. Until next time, be well.
KMCRA 2nd Annual Music Festival
Local Musicians Featured
The Kate Mountain Community Recreation Associations,
Inc.'s 2nd annual August Music Festival will be held Saturday,
August 20th, located at the Kate Mt. Park, State Route 3 in
Vermontville, NY. This will be an outdoor concert, with Roy
Hurd, Celia Evans, Lerry Stone, Keith Gorgas, Staber and
Castoff, 3 Amigos, and The Voices of Hope. The fairway will
open at 10 am; the musicians will start at noon.
Food, Silent Auction, Activities and Games for
Kids
for the kids, and great food. Good Guys Production will be
providing games, and don't forget to check out the vendors'
area. Any help would be greatly appreciated. The KMCRA is
still looking for sponsors for radio ads. Space is still available
for vendors, crafters, flea marketers, and growers. For more
information contact us at kmcra@roadrunner.com or
Derrick Romeo at 518-891-1956. Find us on Facebook.
Community Lends Support
The Kate Mountain Community Recreation Associations, Inc.
hosted a benefit spaghetti dinner on Saturday, May 14th for
Rick Gonyea and his family. We would like to take this
opportunity to thank all the people who joined us. Your
support for Rick and his family was overwhelming; with your
generosity we were able to help them supplement some of
their travel and lodging expenses. Your caring gesture is greatly
appreciated and will never be forgotten. We would also like to
take this opportunity to say a special thank you to all the
volunteers who took time out of their day to help with this
special event and also to all the people that donated desserts.
Invasive Species Concerns
At the April regular town board meeting Town of Franklin
resident Richard Jarvis advocated that the Town pursue the
adoption of an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention law. He
reported that he had spoken with Hilary Smith (Keene Valley)
who indicated that laws of this type had been adopted by Santa
Clara, Lake Placid, Harrietstown and Brighton. It is hoped by
Ms. Smith that by municipalities adopting such laws, the State
of New York will take heed and do the same. There are five
bodies of water in the Town of Franklin but the invasive
species inventories are out of date. These plants are a nuisance.
In this connection the Town Board adopted the following
resolution:
SPECIES LEGISLATION TO ATTORNEY FOR
TOWN WHEREAS, several neighboring municipalities
have enacted local laws prohibiting the spread of invasive
species in their waters; and WHEREAS, the Rainbow
Lake Association has recommended the Town of
Franklin also adopt such legislation; NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board
hereby authorizes the Supervisor to request the attorney
for the Town to draft a local law.
Those voting aye: Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Donald Hamm Those voting nay: NONE
[Editor's Note: the Loon Lake Homeowners' Association has
had yearly aquatic plant inventories done by Paul Smith's
College Aquatic Institute and thus far no plant invasive species
have been detected.] .] The town board will conduct a
public hearing on the proposed law on Wed, May 25 at
7:00 pm at the Vermontville Town Hall.
Roadside Cleanup Day
A Town wide Roadside Cleanup day was held on Saturday,
May 21st; from 8:00 to 4:00 pm. Coffee and doughnuts
welcomed the volunteers in the morning while BBQ hot
dogs and soda were available all day. Many thanks to Roger
Symonds, the McCulley family, Doris and Don Hamm,
Sandy, Fran, and Jeff Oliver, the Pittman Crew, Ed Martin,
and Art who took action to improve our environment.
Demong First Inductee of Saranac Lake
Walk of Fame
On Saturday May 14, Vermontville native Olympic Gold
Medalist Bill Demong was honored as the first inductee to the
Saranac Lake Walk of Fame at a reception held at the Hotel
Saranac. Created last year by the Saranac Lake Village Board,
the Walk of Fame recognizes notable community residents and
celebrates village history.
Demong acknowledged the distinction of being the first to
receive this honor with deep appreciation and was lauded by
his parents for his achievements; and was praised by Town of
Franklin Supervisor Art Willman for being proud of being a
Vermontville native.
The celebration, which was hosted by village Mayor Clyde
Rabideau, culminated with the unveiling of a solid bronze
plaque by Rabideau and Willman. The impressive plaque bears
the village logo and is inscribed with the words "Walk of
Fame" and "William Demong."
Coming to Our Census
2010 Census Reveals Drop in Town Population,
Increase in Inhabitants' Age
Data gleaned from the 2000 and 2010 Census' indicate that
during the last 10 years the total population in the Town of
Franklin decreased by 57 inhabitants; i.e., from 1,197 to 1,140.
Additional changes are seen in median age; i.e., an increase
from 39.7 years to 48.1years.
Housing units increased by 31; i.e., from 982 to 1,013. [Editor's
note: the increase in housing units is probably largely due to increased
building of seasonal homes.]
Happy Birthday to Our Town and the
Church of the Nazarene
On May 20, 1836, The Town of Franklin was born, and it is
now 175 years old. Details regarding the Town's beginnings
can be found in the first edition of "They Told Me So",
published by the Town in 1986.
Also to be noted is that the Vermontville Church of the
Nazarene had its beginning in 1936 and is now 75 years old.
A guest commentary by Martha Tyler John published in the
May 19, 2011 edition of the "Adirondack Daily Enterprise"
details interesting accounts regarding the Church of the
Nazarene's beginning and its relationship to the Town.
Mayhem, Malice, Murder and...mice?
Pendragon's 31st summer season offers a stunning variety of
stories and genres, an extraordinary company and a new
production format.
Stuart Little, adapted from the E.B. White classic by Joseph
Robinette, recreates the adventures of a plucky mouse trying to
survive in a "real people's world." Stuart encounters a number
of challenges with humans and animals, but remains positive
and supportive. Heroes don't have to be big.
The Mystery of Irma Vep opens June 18 and closes
September 4, with a total of 16 performances throughout the
summer.
Originally produced by Charles Ludlam's Ridiculous Theatrical
Company, the spoof is a sidesplitting satire of theatrical,
literary and cinematic genres. Performed by Burdette Parks
and Bob Pettee, who switch gender and costumes multiple
times, all the while delivering delightful mayhem.
Bonnie B. Brewer directs.
Sweeney Todd opens July 13 for a limited run - 12
performances. The production closes August 9.
Stephen Sondheim's dark masterpiece juxtaposes lush songs
with a riveting story of obsession and revenge. Full of gothic
gore, Sondheim's mesmerizing tale is a macabre musical
thriller.
Pendragon musical talents join forces with The High Peaks
Opera. Karen Kirkham directs. Liz Cordes is Musical Director.
George Cordes plays the title role.
Les Liasions Dangereuses, adapted from the novel by
Christopher Hampton, is a searing dark comedy of seduction,
permeated by illicit passion, betrayal and ruthless
manipulation. Set in 1780's France, the tale of sexual intrigue
pits rival former lovers and their prey in a game of power, lust
and deceit. The play was adapted for the screen in the 1988
film Dangerous Liasions.
The production, directed by Karen Kirkham, reunites former
Pendragon company members Joe Guzman and Ginger
Honey with a vibrant mix of current and new theatre artists.
A limited run - only 10 performances, Les Liasions Dangereuses
opens July 27 and closes August 13.
A murderer lurks amongst a group of people confined by a
snowstorm. Who is the next victim? The ultimate "whodunit"
- a chilling country weekend of duplicity and murder.
Pendragon's final summer offering is Agatha Christie's The
Mousetrap. Claimed as the longest running play in the world,
the murder mystery has been translated into 24 languages and
continues to enjoy enormous popularity world- wide.
Burdette Parks directs . The production opens August 18 runs
to September 24 for a total of 11 performances.
Editorial
Information, information everywhere - newspapers,
magazines, the internet, and search engines, Facebook,
Twitter, blogs, websites, etc. Yes, there is no shortage of
information sources; in this regard I would like to focus on a
source that is close to home; that is, the Town of Franklin
Website: www.townoffranklin.com. If you have never accessed
it or have not logged on lately, let me remind you of the
Town-relevant information contained therein: Town
Newsletter,, Calendar & Events,, Town History, Town Board
& Officials, Board Meetings, Town Hall Contacts & Info,
Town Laws & Forms, Town Photos, Area Maps, Rentals &
Real Estate, Local Businesses, Recreation Activities, Lodging &
Accommodations, Kate Mountain Park, They Told Me So, Town
Journals, Emergency Preparedness, Email.
So, if the next time you want or need information about your
Town check out the website; it's waiting there for you. You'll
be glad you did.
Town Board Meetings
7 p.m. 2nd Wednesdays of the Month at
the Town Hall, Vermontville
55+ Club Meetings
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the Month at
the Town Hall, Vermontville. Bring
"Covered Dish". Contact Donna
St. Paul's Food Pantry
Building behind Town Hall.
Distribution one day a month and as needed..
Make out donations to St. Paul's Food Pantry
C/o Mary Ellen Keith, 9 Tyler Rd, Vermontville, NY
or drop off at Birch bark Deli