Latest news with #Ogdensburg
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Under new leadership, Catholic Charities continues legacy of service
OGDENSBURG — Now under new leadership, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Ogdensburg continues to build on its 106 years of being a beacon of hope in difficult times. The new executive director, the Rev. Scott R. Seymour, pastor of St. André Bessette Parish in Malone, took the helm of the Agency in January. In his role, Seymour is responsible for overseeing the agency's programs and staff across multiple counties, identifying sources of funding and resources to meet local service needs, continuing and cultivating relationships with partner agencies and ensuring Catholic Charities stays committed to and consistent with the agency's mission and Catholic values. Bishop Terry R. LaValley, bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, said: 'Since his ordination in 1999, Father Scott has consistently demonstrated deep faith, interpersonal and leadership skills, empathy and compassion – skills and virtues that embody the mission of Catholic Charities. He brings the gifts of faith, love, humor and peace to those around him. These natural abilities have greatly benefited the many parishes, programs and communities he has faithfully served. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are reminded that we are all pilgrims on a journey, and we don't journey alone. Catholic Charities is there to share the journey and be a beacon of light and hope to our North Country neighbors.' The Rev. Scott R. Seymour, executive director, said: 'We're here to serve, and we will be here for years to come. We have new leadership, and we continue to move forward working with our compassionate and experienced staff and working with our partner agencies. We want to be a beacon of hope in difficult times for the people of the North Country. We're doing great things all in the name of Jesus, and we're doing it with great love. 'We see a lot of need. While it doesn't look like it did even just a few years ago, Catholic Charities continues to work to meet those needs as Christ called us to do. More than ever, we rely on the support of our North Country neighbors as we work to meet those needs.' While the methods of service delivery and the programs offered have changed over the years, Catholic Charities has continued to respond to Jesus Christ's call to care for those in need and love its neighbors. Catholic Charities currently maintains five offices across the Diocese of Ogdensburg, serving Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence counties and the northern portions of Hamilton and Herkimer counties. Currently, Catholic Charities offices and/or services are open in Malone, Ogdensburg, Plattsburgh, Tupper Lake, Watertown and Port Henry. Catholic Charities continues to provide case management services in all locations. Staff work with the individuals served to meet their identified needs, whether through referral to a partner agency or using Catholic Charities' resources. All the agency's locations also offer emergency food bags and baby supplies, informal counseling and donated clothing and household items. Catholic Charities is also the E-EMDT hub in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties access. That program works to address elder abuse, including financial abuse. Referrals to that program are made through law enforcement, financial institutions, attorneys, human services agencies and/or medical professionals. E-MDT does not offer direct service or self-referral. Additionally, Catholic Charities, working with AmeriCorps Seniors, continues to run its Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Essex and Franklin Counties. That program connects individuals ages 55 and over with meaningful volunteer activities. The Foster Grandparent program also continues to serve the North Country and is coordinated through the Catholic Charities Tupper Lake office. That program, also run in conjunction with AmeriCorps Seniors, connects volunteers ages 55 and over with children who need support, mentorship and friendship. Volunteers are placed in a classroom setting with a child or children in need of emotional support, development of basic learning skills, friendship, companionship, encouragement, individual attention and unhurried help. In Ogdensburg, Catholic Charities continues to offer Seaway House Club, which is designed to promote recovery, and assist individuals in developing or re-establishing a sense of self-esteem and group affiliation. Based on the Fountain House Model of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Catholic Charities' services cater to the ever-changing needs of its participants. Joelle Lamica, administrative assistant, said: 'We have people with 30 years of experience serving here in the North Country. Our Catholic Charities staff has extensive knowledge, and people are comfortable working with them. They have long, established relationships with our partner agencies and the people we serve.' Catholic Charities will soon begin its annual Mother's Day appeal, a fundraiser that enables the agency to continue serving. To learn more about Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Ogdensburg, or to donate, visit
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Embattled Sussex commissioner won't seek GOP nod for re-election. Who else is running?
Ogdensburg and Stanhope will have the only contested races in Sussex County on June 10 when voters go to the polls for party nominations for the November general elections. The candidate list that followed last month's filing deadline was also notable for a high-profile omission: County Commissioner William Hayden, under fire for two years for allegedly fabricating his military record, will not appear on the Republican primary ballot. Hayden, first elected in 2022, was not endorsed by the county Republican committee and failed to get enough signatures to run in the primary, he told the New Jersey Herald. In a text message Tuesday, Hayden said he may nonetheless mount a campaign to stay on the county board. "I have been asked to run again," he said, adding that he hasn't decided "whether it be as a write-in candidate, or as an independent. But I have people that asked me to and are willing to fund me." Hayden, one of five members of the all-Republican board, has faced calls to resign ever since accusations surfaced that he falsely claimed in his campaign to be a wounded veteran who served in the Navy SEALs. In some retellings, he allegedly claimed to have been injured in action against a drug cartel in Africa.. The Frankford resident has denied any wrongdoing, but in February 2024, he was formally censured by the rest of the board. That censure cited his allegations, which have proven to be false, that there was money missing from the accounts of the county's Food Pantry. Last May, a former donor to Hayden's campaign filed a complaint with the New Jersey State Police, alleging the Republican violated the state's Stolen Valor Act, which makes it illegal to benefit financially from false claims of a military record. Separately, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat whose district includes most of Sussex County, wrote to the state Attorney General last April asking for an investigation into whether Hayden violated New Jersey tax laws by claiming a veteran's exemption. Both the AG's Office and State Police have declined to comment on any possible investigation. Hayden's three-year term ends in December. A defamation lawsuit filed by Hayden against Sussex County Democratic leaders was dismissed a year ago after he missed a court filing deadline. He also filed a notice of claim last year accusing several Republican officials of slandering him, but the threatened lawsuit was never filed. In the primary for county commissioner, there are two nominations open. Instead of her former running mate Hayden, Commissioner Jill Space is running on the Republican line with David J. Silverthorne, a member of the Frankford Township Committee who currently serves as mayor. Philip DeStefano was the only Democrat to file for commissioner. Sheriff Michael Strada is running unopposed for re-election as a Republican, with no declared candidate on the Democratic side. In Stanhope, long-time council member Diana Kuncken and fellow councilman Scott Wachterhauser are being challenged for the Republican line by Najib Iftikhar, an assistant business professor at the County College of Morris. Wachterhauser was appointed to fill an unexpired term in April 2023 and elected that November to serve the remainder of the term. Daniel Smith is running for the Democrat line for Stanhope council, where two seats will be on the ballott. In Ogdensburg, there is a four-way race for a pair of Republican nominations for two borough council seats. Running are Incumbents Brenda Cowdrick and Caren Ruitenberg. They are being challenged by Kristopher Gordon and Michael Nardini. Just two Democrats − Smith and DeStefano − have filed to run in the 21 county and municipal races this year, though others could attempt to mount write-in campaigns. In addition to those races, there will also be primaries for governor and General Assembly races, which are held in odd-numbered years. Federal elections are held in even numbered years. The statewide Democratic primary will include six candidates for governor, with five on the Republican side. Incumbent Phil Murphy is term-limited from running again. More: Sussex County unveils $126.7 million budget, with $500 boost for volunteer firefighters Gottheimer, D-5 and Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11 are joined on the Democrat ballot by former state Senate President Steve Sweeney, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop. On the Republican side, the candidates are former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, State Senator Jon Bramnick, radio host Bill Spadea, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, and contractor Justin Barbera. The other state race in Sussex County includes two Democrats and two Republicans running for two seats for the 24th Assembly District, which includes all of Sussex and parts of Morris and Warren counties, With no primary competition, all four will be on the November ballot. The two Republican candidates are incumbent Assembly members Dawn Fantasia of Franklin and Michael Inganamort of Chester borough in Morris County. The two Democrats are Steve Barratt and Eugene Grinberg, both of Long Valley in Morris County. Candidates not currently on the primary ballot may also attempt a write-in campaign, according to the county clerk's office. To win a spot on the November ballot, a write-in candidate must get at least as many votes as the number of signatures required to file a nominating petition for that position. The requirements for petition signatures and successful write-ins vary by the office being sought, meaning write-ins necessary for a county-wide post would be more than for town-level positions. Countywide write-in votes for Assembly and gubernatorial candidates would be added to the district or statewide write-ins needed. Email: bscruton@ Twitter/X: @brucescrutonNJH This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Under fire, Sussex County commissioner won't seek GOP nod in NJ primary
