Another Sad loss for the North Country

From Newzjunky.com

Former Jefferson County

Treasurer Nancy Browns

Mother has passed

Leone R. Datoush


November 16, 2011

ADAMS, N.Y. — Leone “Onie” R. Datoush, 90, of East Church Street, died Wednesday morning at the Samaritan Keep Home where she was admitted June 28.

The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Piddock Funeral Home, Adams, with Mona Fargo, pastor of the Adams United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Copenhagen. Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Born March 22, 1921, in Turin, daughter of Emmett and Alice Peckham Rupert, she was a graduate of Copenhagen High School.

During the war she worked at Savage Arms, Utica and at the Bagley Sewall Defense Plant in Watertown.

She married Jerome “Dayt” Datoush Aug. 17, 1946, at the home of her mother in Copenhagen.

The couple lived in Adams all their married life. Mr. Datoush worked for the W.W. Conde Hardware Store in Watertown following his discharge from the Army where he served in Africa and Italy. “Onie” and “Dayt” purchased the former Gould’s Restaurant in Adams which they operated for 14 years. Mr. Datoush died Nov. 21, 1987.
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The North Country Losses a Great Man

From newzjunky.com

Gerald F. Casey, 74, Watertown, and a summer resident of Cape Vincent, died Thursday, Nov. 10, at Samaritan Keep Home where he had resided since April 2009.

A memorial Mass will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Holy Family Church with Rev. Steven Murray officiating. As per his wishes, he is donating his body to Upstate Medical Center.

Burial in St. Vincent of Paul Cemetery, Cape Vincent, will be at a later date.

Arrangements are with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown.

Born Sept. 7, 1937, in Syracuse, the son of Harold B. and Madeline O'Donnell Casey, he graduated from Most Holy Rosary School, Syracuse, received a bachelor of arts degree in English from Syracuse University, and his BS in Business Administration from State University of New York.

He married Marlene A. Docteur on Oct. 5, 1979, in Watertown.

From 1975 until his retirement in 1994 as building superintendent, he worked at the Dulles State Office Building, Watertown. He was appointed to this position under the Gov. Carey administration and reappointed under the Gov. Cuomo administration.

Mr. Casey was a communicant of Holy Family Church and a member of the Celebration Singers.

The couple lived in Watertown and were summer residents of Cape Vincent.

He was very involved with the Watertown Chamber of Commerce, being a past president, a member of the board of directors, a representative to T. I. Council, and chairman of the tourism committee. He was a founding member of the Irish Fest and very active with Project Children.

He was a member and past president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division #1, Watertown and a former chairman of the town of Champion Democratic Committee. He participated in Third Wave Productions, a community theater group, and served on the board of directors for Seaway Trail Foundation.
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Thank You Soldiers for all Your Sacrifice



(L/R) Judge Charlie Merrel (Supreme Court Candidate)
and  Congressman Bill Owens  (NY 23) take a
moment to catch  up during the annual event.

Last night the Jefferson County Democratic Committee held it's annual Fall Dinner/GOTV dinner. The house was packed and we'd like to think everyone had a great time.

In attendance were Congressman Bill Owens, Commissioner of Ag and Markets Darrel Aubertine, Assemblywoman Addie Russell, Supereme Court Judge candidates: Judge Charlie Merrell, Patrick MacRae, Tom Buckle and David Magnarelli, Encombant Legislatore Allan Drake (District 4), Legislative Candidates Michael Astafan (District 6), Ron Cole (District 11) and Carl Disalvatore (District 12).  Also on hand were Town of Housnfield Supervisor Tim Scee and various other elected officials.  

We were also lucky to have with us various Labor organizations like: IBEW local 910, CSEA, Bricklayers and Allied Trades, SEIU 1199, Steal Workers, CWA, Plumbers and Steam Fitters, AFGE and many more.



Below you'll find some of the pictures form last night's event.  Enjoy!



Assemblywoman Addie Russell (118th) Ron Monnat (former Buisness manager for Plumbers and Steam fitters and Beth Cassada (President of the IBEW local 910 give the North Country Democat a moment for a picture.

(L/R) Commissioner of Ag and Markets Darrel Aubertine,
The Shaw family (Teamsters) and
Congressman Bill Owens

Here's a half room shot of yesterdays annual Fall/GOTV dinner at the Ramada in Watertown NY. What a great event!



Local Mayors Endorse Astafan for Legislator

Recently Wayny McIlroy , Mayor of the Village of Carthage, endorsed Mike Astafan for Legislature in District 6.  Today, we're proud to announce that the Mayor of West Carthage, has Endorsed Mike Astafan as well.  Mayor Scott Burto stated in his letter of support:

"I am writing to the residents of the Town of Wilna to express my support for Michael F. Astafan as your next Jefferson County District 6 Legislator. Mr. Astafan has been a valuable asset not only to the residents of the Village of Carthage but to the larger Carthage community."

"I have had the honor of working with Mr. Astafan over the last 12 years during his tenure as a Village of Carthage Trustees as well as sitting with him on the Joint Water and Sewer Utility Board and our efforts through RACOG. I have seen first hand his commitment and dedication to the Carthage community. During Mike’s time serving on the Economic Development Corporation of Carthage and the Carthage Development Corporation, we have seen policy changes that have allowed for growth in new businesses in West Carthage and Carthage and benefiting the community as a whole."

"Although I can not vote in the District 6 election, I would ask that you support Michael Astafan on November 8, 2011 as he is the proven candidate committed to bettering the Carthage area. I know not only will the residents of District 6 be well represented but also the greater Carthage community."

Thank You,

Scott M. Burto

When picking their next legislator the Towns of Wilna and Leray should look at both candidates and let experience, dedication to community and leadership be their guide when picking their next Legislator for district 6.  Mike Astafan advocay on the Black River Regulating District saved the North Country Millions, His work in conjunction with Village and Town officials after the devisting Village of Carthage Fire has led to a rebirth of commerce in down town Carthage.  Mike's leadship as exalted ruler Elks lodge #1762 in Carthage lead to fiscal strength during his tenure.  The list of Mike Astafan's accomplishments are long and his ability to lead unquestionable.

This Tuesday, November 8th, every vote for Mike Astafan is a vote for proven leadership.