OCFRally In Albany March 23
OGDENSBURG - The Ogdensburg Correctional Facility Task Force wants the greater Ogdensburg community to join them at a rally in Albany in support of the prison on March 23.
The task force set the date at Tuesday's meeting and are hoping to fill at least two tourist buses that hold 56 people each to rally on the capitol steps. The task force will be booking the buses through S&W Tours & Charters, Brier Hill, for $1,800 each.
"I would like to see more than that," said Charles W. Kelly, chairman of the task force, "but the two have to be filled."
The bus trip to Albany will allow members of the community to rally on the steps of the state capitol building as well as others to talk to members of the Senate and Assembly to urge them to rewrite the governor's budget to keep the Ogdensburg prison open.
Those interested in riding in a bus to Albany are asked to sign up with Sandra Porter, executive director of the Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce, by calling 393-3620 or by e-mail at chamber@gisco.net.
Fundraisers have begun to pay for the buses.
Proceeds from "Save OCF" T-shirts supplied by the OCF Employee Benefit Fund will go toward the cost of the buses. T-shirts can be purchased for $10 at Peebles, Hacketts and at city hall.
On March 11, the EBF will be having a spaghetti dinner from 4-7 p.m. at the Odd Fellows hall. Cost is $7 per meal and all proceeds will be going to offset the costs of the buses. Meals will be delivered in Ogdensburg.
The OCF Task Force has also set up an account at the ARC, State Street, Ogdensburg, for anyone wishing to donate cans or bottles to the cause as well as an account at Community Bank, NA., for those wishing to make monetary donations. Both accounts are under "Save OCF."
Any donations to the bank account will be tax-deductible.
"We are a non-profit agency," said Laura Ashley, task force member.
If you like to party, then Myers Pub will be the destination for you on March 19.
Harold C. Myers, owner of Myers Pub, will be holding a fundraiser from 4 p.m. until finished. Donations of any amount will be sought at the door and the OCF Task Force will receive 25 percent of the gross earnings at the bar to help pay for the buses.
There will be 50/50 drawings and entertainment provided by a DJ.
The task force is also readying for the rally they have planned on March 12 on the steps of Ogdensburg's city hall. They hope there will be enough people to force the city to shut down Ford Street and neighboring streets as well.
Mayor William D. Nelson said he hopes that over 1,000 members of the community will show up in support of the prison on March 12.
"We need to have 1,000 to 1,500 people. We've got to tell Albany we're not taking this lightly," Mr. Nelson said. "This is critical to our community."
Mr. Kelly said the Ogdensburg Free Academy marching band will be there to provide music at the rally.
Task force member Michael B. Powers, a city councilor and a correctional officer himself, said that he has witnessed rallies work in their favor before.
"I saw it first-hand in Hudson," Mr. Powers said, adding "There's not nearly the population that's here. I know we can make a difference."
