Jobs secure
TO THE EDITOR: In these tough economic times, it is unfortunate that anyone has to be without work for any length of time, but for dining hall employees at Plattsburgh State we know that every summer some of us are laid off due to the reduction of students that are not around to be fed.

Fortunately, we have a union contract that ensures we have a fair and equitable process based on seniority to determine who gets the summer work and that also ensures that those laid off for the summer get recalled in the fall without losing rate of pay, seniority, or benefits.

At the meeting referenced in the Press-Republican article of June 4 we were some of the eight shop stewards present enforcing our union contract by making sure that the company was going in proper seniority order when determining who would be working which job. While some were laid off for the summer, as happens every summer, everyone has work come fall.

We wish that every employee in the North Country had the same security of knowing they have a job and that a union can be beneficial in helping to retain those jobs along with a respectable wage and benefits. Without union backing, we could be making minimum wage, reduced benefits and a "fire at will" policy.

While we don't agree on everything, Chartwells, our employer for all the dining hall employees at Plattsburgh State, did follow our union contract and respected our seniority. We hope someday we can say the same for every industry in the North Country, so we could all enjoy job security, a decent wage, and decent benefits.

Jan Yakey

Plattsburgh

Karen Gould

Sandy King

Melody Vassar

Diane Deso

Thanks for help
TO THE EDITOR: On Saturday, June 13, 2009, the first annual Walk for CHARGE was held to raise money for further research for CHARGE syndrome. We want to thank the following businesses for sponsoring this event.

CFA Insurance Agency, Adirondack Helping Hands, Hamilton Funeral Home, Warren Tire, Mountain View Pediatrics, B & P Auto Parts, Yando's Big M, Donovan's Steak & Ale, Mars Mechanical, Curtis Lumber, Plattsburgh Noon Kiwanis Club, Adirondack Family Chiropractic, Dave Garrant's Sanitation, Adirondack Engraving & Signs, North Country Kids, Becky's Family Diner, Gokey's Auction & Appraisal Services, Garrow's Refrigeration, CV Tech - LPN Class of 2009, Stewarts Corporation.

A special thanks to all those who helped prepare for the event, to Finney Sports for supplying the t-shirts and especially to those who participated in the walk and donated funds to a great cause. For more information on CHARGE syndrome, visit the foundations Web site at www.chargesyndrome.org.

In memory of our beloved son, Jacob David Bola, 06/11/08 - 07/11/08. Thank you.

Mackenzie and Steve Bola

Keeseville

Breakfasts only
TO THE EDITOR: During the 14 years that we have been operating the Essex Inn we have enjoyed the support of our many neighbors and friends. The Essex Inn has sheltered and fed hundreds of weary and hungry travelers in this time and we have enjoyed our role as innkeepers.

We want to inform you that there will be a change in the way the Inn will be operated. As of July 1, 2009, the Inn's restaurant will not be serving meals on a regular basis. The Inn will be a Bed and Breakfast only. Overnight guests will receive breakfast and we will continue to be open on Sunday mornings to serve breakfast to the public. Our Saturday morning bakery will also be continued.

We will be available for special events such as family reunions, wedding parties and special celebrations with menus arranged in advance.

Inn guests requesting meals will be directed to the fine restaurants in our area. If you have questions, please feel free to give us a call at 963-8821. We took forward to your continued business.

Trish and John Walker

Essex