Age: 59.
Birthplace: Tupper Lake.
Residence: “Grew up in Tahawus before the village was moved to Newcomb in the Winebrook Hills subdivision in 1963. There are perhaps few people who can remember as a child standing on the side of the road watching their house go by on a flatbed trailer.”
Occupation: “Worked for Newcomb Highway Department as a heavy-equipment and highway maintenance supervisor thirty-two years. Elected town supervisor in November.”
Accomplishments: “Served on Newcomb Central School Board of Education for eight years; also served as chairman of Newcomb Planning Board. Appointed deputy town supervisor in January 2017.”
Favorite canoe adventure: “On Lake Julia below Rich Lake. I was fishing from a canoe with a red-devil spinner and while casting for a northern pike hooked a sunken log. I rowed over to the log and reached out with one hand to steady the canoe. Turns out the canoe was floating and, having a mind of its own, decided to let go of my hand. Instantly; the canoe capsized. My lunch, fishing-tackle box (worms—shhhh, not permitted out of season), my hat, and, naturally, my glasses all entered the water. As good fortune often dictates, Lake Julia has a fine gravel bottom, so I was able to retrieve all my belongings. The best part is no one saw.”
Favorite view: “The view of the High Peaks from the Goodnow Mountain fire tower in Newcomb is breathtaking!”
Why I live in the Adirondacks: “The Adirondacks have been my home for my entire life. I love the feeling of remoteness, isolation, and peace that the mountains offer. To paraphrase Dorothy in Wizard of Oz, “There is no place like Newcomb.”
Memorable wildlife experience: “From my front porch I have seen black bears strolling by the house; deer every season eating fallen apples; red and gray fox; pine martens; coy dogs; and all types of Adirondack birds. My son and I once followed a moose up the Minerva road and got close enough to reach out and touch it.”
If I were in charge of the Park: “Having grown up in a mining-and-logging community—two industries that won’t be revived in my lifetime—I wonder what type of commercial growth would be a fit for our isolated community. Seasonal-home owners and retirees make up a majority of our small town. We need year-round employment and services and affordable housing for families if Newcomb is to be a sustainable community. Finding that fit will require teamwork from all stakeholders. I don’t have the answers, but I’ll continue to live optimistically.”
Interesting bio!