May 15, 2008 — Literacy of Northern New York is seeking volunteers to teach English as a second language classes. The not-for-profit is trying to keep up with a growing number of military and academic spouses and farmworkers who want to learn English in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Deborah Tate runs the organization's ESL program. She told David Sommerstein the students come from all over the world.

You can volunteer to be a tutor by calling 782-4270 in Jefferson and Lewis counties, and 265-0194 in St. Lawrence county.  Go to full article

May 01, 2008 — The much-traveled married musical duo of Pete and Maura Kennedy will give a concert this Saturday night (8 pm) in Lowville, as part of the Black River Valley Concert Series. Their concert, at the Lewis County Historical Society building, will include music from their latest cd, Better Dreams. Todd Moe spoke with Pete Kennedy about their brand of folk-rock music, and the mix of philosophy, spirituality and love in their newest music.  Go to full article

Feb 21, 2008 — Here's a sure cure for cabin fever -- live flamenco guitar, percussion and dance! The Black River Valley Concert Series and Lewis County Historical Society are sponsoring an evening of flamenco music with guitarist Maria Zemantauski and friends. Maria is one of the world's few heralded female flamenco guitarists, and one of even fewer female flamenco composers. She has performed in Spain and across the US. Todd Moe talks with her about Saturday night's concert in Lowville.  Go to full article

Jan 23, 2008 — The Bush Administration wants part of an economic stimulus package to include tax rebates: $800 for individuals, $1600 for couples. Officials hope the checks will induce people to spend money and boost the economy. David Sommerstein stopped by Lloyd's of Lowville Diner Monday. Amidst sizzling burgers and cups of coffee, he asked patrons what they thought of the stimulus plan, and what they'd do with their rebate check...  Go to full article

Dec 20, 2007 — The U.S. Army says it will station nearly 1,500 more soldiers at Fort Drum as a part of a broad military restructuring. The addition announced yesterday will add to a local economic boon fueled by recent growth at the base near Watertown. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Aug 28, 2007 — The classic American diner is such a revered symbol that it's common to see new restaurants designed to look like old diners. But the personal service, fair prices, great desserts and relaxed, friendly atmosphere usually let you know that you're in a diner that's been around a while, and is an important part of the community. Today NCPR and TAUNY, Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, continue our look at some very special places in the North Country. Joel Hurd and Varick Chittenden visited Lloyd's of Lowville earlier this year to find out why it's such an important part of Lewis County's largest town.  Go to full article

Jul 24, 2007 — A four-day tribute to U.S. and Canadian soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan will begin Friday morning in Lewis county. "Arlington North" will include nearly 4000 crosses for each member of the military killed in action since 2001. The crosses will be on display on the south slope of Snow Ridge Ski Resort in Turin, on the Tug Hill Plateau. Derek Davey, of Lowville, is organizing the weekend tribute. His son was killed in Iraq in 2005. Davey told Todd Moe that the event is intended to illustrate the human cost of war and offer a place to reflect and grieve.  Go to full article

Jul 17, 2007 — The 187th Lewis County Fair starts today. There will be rides, concerts, a demolition derby, and of course, all types of food. Many of the food vendors will have portable facilities that set up for a few days and then move on to the next fair. But one local favorite has been selling its treats from the same building for over 100 years. Today, NCPR and TAUNY, Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, continue our look at some very special places in the North Country. Last year, Joel Hurd and Varick Chittenden visited the fair to learn more about Freeman's Taffy Stand.  Go to full article

Jun 06, 2007 — This week, we've been hearing the stories of a group of New York dairy farmers. In January, they traveled to a tiny mountain town in Mexico, where many of their milkers and farmhands come from. They wanted to better understand why their employees come thousands of miles to New York for work, and what that means for the immigration debate. Yesterday, we heard young Mexican men saying they wanted to work in the United States to make money. But eventually, they planned to return to their homes in Mexico. Immigration statistics tell a different story - the longer immigrants live in the United States, the more they want to stay here. In part three of a three part series, David Sommerstein looks at how Hispanic immigrants are affecting rural communities in New York and what the future may hold.  Go to full article

Jun 05, 2007 — Every community in the North Country has places that local residents think of as landmarks. This morning, North Country Public Radio and TAUNY, Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, begin a series of features highlighting very special places in our region. Varick Chittenden and Joel Hurd have spent the last few months visiting these places and talking with members of the community who know them well. People have been visiting TAUNY's website to learn more about the project and to share their enthusiasm for a favorite site. Today we head to Lewis County to meet one such person who took us to several of her favorite places.  Go to full article