Van service celebrates 25 years

INLET - A picnic was held July 17 to celebrate the Silver Anniversary of Community Transportation Service, free van transportation to medical appointments.

There are three vans in Hamilton County: one in Indian Lake, one in Inlet and one in Speculator. There are two vans (including one accommodating a wheelchair) in Old Forge.

Volunteer staff, drivers, members and guests gathered at St. Anthony of Padua’s Parish Hall here to celebrate 25 years of organizing and supplying a free ‘van’ service to local and outlying medical appointments for the elderly and those no longer able to drive themselves.

In 1987 Harold “Yogi” Best, Father Jim Lamitie, Ruth Brussel, Joan Liddle, George Milroy, Rosemary Cofey and Barbara Groves (plus doctor-counsel) set up shop with Best’s much used van for transportation to supply free rides to the cities of Utica, Syracuse, Albany, Rochester etc. for those who needed medical attention but did not drive. They also sent out a call for capable volunteer drivers (with impeccable driving records).

Today, 25 years and 10 vans later, courtesy of local fundraising and several grants from The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties and others, the service has expanded to adjacent Hamilton County.

However, without the 46 folks operating the wheels... with some seasonal only... the vans could not continue to roll.

To help continue this gift to the community as a driver call (315) 369-2830. To make a donation and be an ‘armchair’ driver mail to Community Transportation Services Ltd., POB 995, Old Forge NY 13420.

Bishop Love will be at St. Peter’s

EAGLE BAY - The Rt. Rev. William Howard Love, the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany in the United States, will preside over the 9 and 11 a.m. services at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church here Aug. 12.

A theological conservative, he is a prominent leader of orthodox Anglicans. The Diocese of Albany includes St. Peter’s by the Lake chapel here.

Episcopalians are part of the world-wide Anglican Communion, a family of self-governing national churches, historically related to the Church of England, who remain in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury.

St. Peter’s by the Lake is located on the north shore of Fourth Lake on State Route 28, just before North Woods Inn. Services are held at 9 and 11 a.m. from the last weekend in June to the first weekend in September. The Rev. George B. Greene is priest in charge.

For information call (315) 369-6879.

Call SS Minnow for a ride

INLET - The SS Minnow is “sailing” again this summer.

It’s not a boat, it’s a bus. The SS Minnow is a little yellow school bus that drives around Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. during July and August, stopping at local establishments and offering patrons a safe ride home.

Penny and the late Scott Stuart made sure this happened again this summer. Anyone anywhere between Daiker’s and Seventh Lake House who needs a ride should call (315) 281-6533.

Levi receives Kiwanis scholarship

OLD FORGE - Alexandra Levi, daughter of John and Thera Levi of Old Forge, has been awarded a New York District Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship of $1,000.

The Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks made the announcement. In addition, Alexandra will also receive a matching $500 scholarship from Kiwanis International because of her Key Club membership.

Alexandra is a June 2012 graduate of Town of Webb School and salutatorian of the Class of 2012. She will attend Hartwick College in Oneonta starting in September.

She was Central Adirondack Kiwanis Student of the Month in September 2011.

Kiwanis President Carolyn Trimbach and Past President and Scholarship Committee Chairman Ray Schoeberlein stated, “We are pleased with the recognition of Alexandra and that Central Adirondack Kiwanis, one of over 270 Kiwanis clubs in the New York District, was able to facilitate the scholarship application.”

In addition, they said, “We want to thank Town of Webb School Superintendent Rex Germer, Guidance Counselor Kandis Griffin and Key Club Advisor Diane Amos for their outstanding cooperation with Central Adirondack Kiwanis and all our youth-focused programs in the Central Adirondack Community.”