School’s out in Watertown, Now What?

Thursday 26^th June, 2014

 

By Victoria Gaskell

 

Watertown High School relieved for the summer.

 

Today begins the last day of school before summer break for many of the north country’s schools. To ensure the sanity of parents and subdue the boredom of Fort Drum’s children, here are some programs available to local guardians.

Activities available to school goers in the area include:

1. Fort Drum Child, Youth and School Services, summer program.

   This program is available to all Fort Drum families and is focused on education, knowledge and physical activity.

   For more information see, www.drummwr.com.

2. Watertown, NY YMCA summer camp.

   Christine Cupernall, Child Care Supervisor, states that the program will include “not only a number of fun activities available at the Watertown YMCA facilities, but will also take the opportunity to introduce students to community services.”

   The program is available to students of all school districts in the area at a fee of $100-150 based on a 2-3 day or 5 day week.

   For more information see, www.watertownymca.org.

3. The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park, Zoofari Day Camp.

   Thompson Park gives students the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favourite animals with full or half day camp program running weekly through-out the summer.

   The week-long camps are charged at $100 for half day and $170 for full day programs.

   For more information see, www.nyszoo.org.

With the careful selection of child care providers, the summer months can be a joyous time for both children and parents alike.

Remembrance and Celebration Hand in Hand for Fort Drum’s ‘Gold Star Family Week’

Tuesday 24^th, 2014

 

By Victoria Gaskell

 

Soldiers saluting during remembrance ceremony.

 

Today marks the beginning of ‘Gold Star Family Week’ on Fort Drum. The week started at 10 am this morning in a solemn remembrance ceremony, saluting soldiers killed in action between 2003 and present.

The week is set aside each year to commemorate the sacrifice made by Fort Drum’s fallen soldiers and their loved ones.

Though a hard reminder of the significant loss incurred by families of the fallen, widower Allison Hilbrandt-Farrell expressed gratitude to the community for the display of support.

“Since the loss of my husband, I have struggled to understand the purpose or meaning of his death. But memorials like Gold Star Family Week really help me to remember his passion for the Army and his pride and love of country.”

“For a moment, I can actually comprehend the sacrifice he made” said Ms. Hilbrandt-Farrell.

Ms. Hilbrandt-Farrell’s husband, was killed in action on April 28 of this year during an enemy attack in Afghanistan’s Kapisa Province.

While today’s event was solemn and reflective, Fort Drum will also be hosting its annual Mountainfest tomorrow, Wednesday 25^th, June.

The event starts at 1 pm with a ceremonial Salute the Nation and continues with a free concert for the surrounding community beginning at 7 pm, concluding with fireworks.

More information on the weeks events can be found at Fort Drum’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation centre.