Watertown, NY, Oct 01, 2010 — From Elizabethtown to Alexandria Bay, nursing homes across the North Country are struggling, and in some cases, closing. In Watertown, Samaritan Medical Center is in talks to run the 200-bed Mercy Care Center in receivership. Mercy announced last month it intends to close. The measure is temporary until the hospital builds two new facilities. This week, Samaritan won a $34 million state grant that will pay roughly half the cost of construction for nursing and assisted living homes in Watertown and nearby Carthage. Samaritan spokeswoman Krista Kittle told David Sommerstein there's a desperate need in the region for long-term care facilities for the elderly, especially assisted living ones.  Go to full article

Apr 05, 2007 — For today's Heard Up North, David Sommerstein was out doing a story last year in Depauville, north of Watertown. He visited a couple who were struggling to keep their home warm in winter. One thing he noticed in the living room had nothing to do with heat: two bookshelves lined with completed diaries, more piled on a desk. Everyday entries documenting the life of a retired dairyman...  Go to full article

Mar 07, 2007 — Remember a couple months ago when it felt like spring on Christmas Day? If this winter has taught us anything, it's that warm spells aside, the North Country still has bitter cold and heavy snows. The deep winter hits senior citizens especially hard. Many older people lack the money, health, or energy to keep their homes warm. As David Sommerstein reports, help is out there, but many programs go underused.  Go to full article

Nov 27, 2003 — A state office worker union says it has an idea to help New York lawmakers plug a looming gap in the budget - buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada. Karen DeWitt reports from Albany.  Go to full article

Nov 24, 2003 — Seniors, and some aging Baby Boomers, ripped up their AARP membership cards during a protest at the federal building in Albany Friday. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Oct 23, 2003 — This Saturday is Make a Difference Day around the country, a day for volunteering and helping others. People throughout the North Country will clean up parks, visit senior citizens, pitch in many other ways in their communities. Fort Drum near Watertown is reaching out to its neighbors by stocking food pantries.

You can hear audio of this story later this morning.  Go to full article

Aug 15, 2002 — David Sommerstein talks with Robert Miller, regional director of the New York Statewide Senior Action Council, which is holding its annual "Seniorama" at the Mohawk Bingo Palace in Akwesasne today.  Go to full article

Aug 05, 2002 — The Senior Community Service Employment Program of St. Lawrence County helps first time or veteran workers make the transition into today?s labor market. Jody Tosti met up with the project?s coordinator and a client in the program.  Go to full article

Dec 11, 2001 — A commission appointed by President Bush is expected to recommend that social security be partially privatized. The report could be released as early as today. Those against any privatization of social security, including two New York Congressmen, are gearing up for a long fight. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article