Local Peeps: Beverly

Beverly is one of the liveliest octogenarians I have ever met! She teaches aquacize, practices yoga, reads avidly, and participates in numerous activities both here and in Quebec. She is my go-to person for all things historic in the village, having been born and raised here. Her family dates back to her great-grandfather's arrival in Champlain in 1871. She knows everyone and upon meeting someone her first statement is "You must be related to ...". Many residents will remember Beverly as the dental hygienist in the schools, when we had that kind of service. She has great stories to recount regarding her work with students. Most of all, Beverly is independent, forthright, and generous. She is a fantastic knitter and donates hats, mittens, and sweaters to people around the world. She taught me how to knit, and has introduced me to a world of music and crafts right across the border. I admire her spirit, enjoy her sense of humor, and value her friendship. Beverly epitomizes the solid people who settled Champlain.

Local Peeps: Erin

I've known Erin most of her life, and I have watched her develop into a hard-working, determined young woman. Although she doesn't live full time in Champlain anymore, she is able to spend plenty of time here, and is a fantastic supporter of local happenings. Many residents know Erin through her job at the local super market where she still works from time to time when she returns. Her positive nature and outgoing personality greet customer after customer at the checkout counter. Even the most curmudgeon of shoppers must return a brief smile when Erin speaks to them.
        Beyond her working skills, Erin is as dedicated a friend as one could find. She keeps in touch through calls, texts, messages, and visits to maintain the rapport that can so easily crumble when people move away. She is polite, thoughtful and generous; our community is fortunate to have Erin continue to be part of it.

Local Peeps: Connor

Happy Birthday to Connor. The youngest of our children is turning 24 today, and although he no longer lives in this village, he will always be a Champlainer at heart. The sidewalks where he learned to ride a bike; the soccer field where he perfected the left footed kicks; the side yard rink where he spent hours practicing slap shots sometimes resulting in broken windows; the hundreds of glass items won at the dime toss; the daily walks with Tansy, and Birki, and Soleil around the "little" block and then finally the "big" block; the elementary school, now boarded up, where he learned to read and cipher .... a myriad of memories melded together have created an appreciation for this safe, caring community. We are proud that this shy little boy has developed into a confident, compassionate adult. With his love of travel, his education, and his professional goals, Connor will go far, but we know that deep down, Champlain will remain  his home.
 Bon anniversaire, mon fils                                                  .

Local Peeps: Merrill

Merrill is one of the ladies who taught me to knit last year, and through these lessons I have come to appreciate her tremendously. She is a mother, a grandmother, a retired teacher, an artist, and a friend; all these roles, among others, blend into a charming, funny, caring personality. As an educator, she worked with two of my children, and I credit her today with awakening their love of writing. In fact, we continue to call my daughter by one of the nicknames used in a story written by her brother in Merrill's class. Her students were "her kids" and she still refers to them as "my fifth graders"! Merrill's enthusiasm for village happenings is fabulous. In my moments of doubt whether an idea is viable, Merrill is encouraging and supportive. Her positive nature and open curiosity is refreshing; I am blessed to be buoyed by her optimism and spirit!

Local Peeps: Greg

There is no one in the Village of Champlain who cares more about this municipality than Mayor Greg Martin. During our dissolution discussion, Greg went door to door explaining to residents the advantages of this village. That vote was overwhelmingly in favor of the continued existence of the village. When there is a water main break, Greg will be right there along side the DPW crew helping in any way he can. Questions, concerns, complaints- Greg will be at your door seeking information to remedy the problem. He is a peacemaker, a communicator, and a leader who is dedicated to making Champlain a safe, healthy, and affordable place to live. We are fortunate to have him as our mayor. Take a moment to let him know that his service is appreciated.

Local Peeps: Kelly

An outing to the grocery store on this frigid January day was not something I was looking forward to this morning. The cart handle  numbed my fingers as I pushed it through the doors to begin shopping, and I wished I had brought my gloves along. But my attention quickly turned to the beautiful multi -colored flowers in the florist department; a rainbow splash at the height of winter warms the soul. The woman who was tending  them greeted me with a huge smile. This is Kelly, and she brightened my day with her positive nature. We agreed that a friendly glance, a greeting, a sincere "how are you" often is enough to let a fellow human know that they are important. She knows that her interaction with the customers may be the only kindness received that day. Thanks, Kelly, for being so personable and compassionate with the public!

Local Peeps January 14, 2015

"I want to know you moved and breathed in the same world as me." F. Scott Fitzgerald


I am borrowing an idea from a woman in Georgia who highlights a resident of her community each day to thank for their service, dedication, perseverance, personality, skill... She calls her posts Yousies, and I will name mine Peeps. I make no promises for daily paragraphs or weekly messages, but intend to write them as I come upon the many men and women who make our area a pleasant, caring, and interesting place to live. These individuals will not be perfect; I choose to see in each of them a quality that I value. You may know them differently, and while I respect your opinion, my words  will be positive because, all in all, I believe we should acknowledge the good people around us who contribute to our community. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.