The St. Regis Point Restoration Project

For generations families and children of our community have been making memories down at the St. Regis Point. It has become a monument in our stories of summer, from swimming, swinging from the tree swing to jumping off the diving board into the crisp St. Lawrence waters to picnicking & simply enjoying the beautiful views of our precious landscapes & waterways. For many their first lessons & experiences of fishing began here. Over the years come to find the Point has had many visitors from many parts of the U.S. and Canada but also travelers from as far as the Philippines, Australia, & Germany just to name a few. Whether they were lost or knowingly navigated to the point, they too took the time to enjoy its beauty.

And if so lucky to happen, a chance meeting with a character seemingly right out of Pirates of the Caribbean, a local- now the late 'Uncle Dave'. Dave Francis frequented the Point daily, numerous times daily actually. Whether he was checking his fishing lines or greeting the morning, alone or accompanied - coffee hour was cherished in the calm peaceful mornings or the quieting dusk of day's end. Uncle Dave could be found by the river picking up garbage, teaching kids how to fish or barking orders from his bench to his buddies or anyone within earshot who come to pitch in in cleaning up the St. Regis Point. Uncle Dave was like no other, and he evolved into a natural steward of the Point and helped sow that seed of care in others. Uncle Dave is my true uncle, and I remember years ago, he had asked me to write something up to get some help with some big ideas for the restoration of the Point.

Now that request is being fulfilled. A couple weeks ago I took my young daughters for a visit down at the Point. My father Mike had been filling me in on the new updates going on down there and sending me pictures. Now that my youngest is a few months old we were due for a fresh outing, and I had to go see for myself. I could also hear my uncle Dave's voice ringing in my ears, 'go take a look for yourself Herb, you got wheels now' so I did...

What a heartwarming sight to behold as I pulled in past the church rectory. The Mitchell brothers and a few friends were busily cutting grass, weed whacking, and combing the shore for glass & debris. Landen took the time to fill me in on what was going on, they had a donated load of sand on its way for the beginnings of a beach donated by Marlon Johnson. Marlon also recently and generously donated seven newly made tables with funds generated thru the Akwesasne Community Online Bingo and hands of Nelson Jock and boys. Kelly Jacobs pulled in with fresh coffee and drinks for the volunteers and talked to me about the online bingo. I'm not one for much online stuff so I was pleased to hear of such a thing especially how all the money goes towards community.

Even more pleased to realize how many grassroots efforts were involved in the St. Regis Point Restoration Project. Uncle Dave really cared about the Point and making it a clean and safe area for all the kids & community to enjoy. He really garnered the support of family and friends to pitch in and do what they can. He encouraged participation and surely what the Point has evolved into has been thru the caring hands of all whom have pitched in. As Landen spoke about all the things they were working on while weaving stories of uncle Dave in, with my baby in my arms and 2 yr. old at my legs, his spirit was felt about and grinning that grin while everyone come together to beautify and make the point a better place.

The point is still a work in progress, more sand for the beach, maintenance of 'Dave's Dock' now 'Mikes Dock' - Landen says, and the terrace by the tree swing, new rope to go up for tree swing, possible building of platforms for beneath the picnic tables, a few stationary charcoal grills, parking area... The St. Regis Point Restoration Project has really blossomed into a true community grassroots effort and is truly beautiful and family oriented. If anyone is interested in donating funds, materials, equipment use, time or sweat equity or community service hours you can contact Landen Mitchell @ (518)333-6500 or Mike Francis @ (518)333-6057.

You can also check out The St. Regis River Rats fb page for work bee updates. At best just show up and check it out. To all who participated in the efforts, Niawen Kowa.

The possibilities for the St. Regis Point Restoration Project are endless & bountiful with the help of engaging community spirit.