Colleen and Jim bought their home in Essex in1978, following years of visiting the Champlain Valley during all seasons. They met in Lake Placid during college. Jim was a counselor at Camp Dudley and Colleen a waitress at the Lake Placid Club. As they say, the rest is history.
They were both professional educators. Colleen was a learning disabilities specialist, a school psychologist and a school administrator. Jim taught history and served as a school principal and superintendent. Both worked in independent and public schools during their careers. They served schools in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Wisconsin.
When circumstances permitted them to consider a second home, they gravitated to the Adirondacks, Champlain Valley, and particularly, Essex. They loved the architecture, history and small-town feel. After they retired full time in 2002, they became very active in the community, serving on many town and non-profit boards. Colleen has been active on the Board of the Belden Noble Memorial Library, which she currently serves as president, and on both Essex Initiatives and the Essex Community Fund.
Jim served on the Board of Assessment Review and the Planning Board, which he chaired for many years. During his tenure he revised the Town Zoning Law. He currently co-chairs the Church Council at the Community Church and serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Colleen and Jim love to travel. Their series of three motor homes took them to 49 states, Canada and Mexico and over 200 national parks and monuments. Jim’s work in school evaluation took both of them to such places as South Africa, Japan, Morocco and Dubai. They are currently anticipating a river cruise on the Rhine and Danube rivers this fall.
The have two sons. Jim, Jr. is an artist who just retired from over 30 years of teaching in Central NY. Steve is responsible for the grounds at Arlington National Cemetery. Both have two children. Colleen and Jim recently became great-grandparents.

Each program begins at 7:00 PM. A donation of $5.00 per person is suggested.  Refreshments will be served following the program.

No time for a book club? BNML’s new Short Story Club has your back. No novels. No meetings. No need to make snacks for anyone other than yourself. Just great short stories.
The February/March selection is Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood. This collection will not fail to bring you into a wicked and fascinating world. Three of the first stories are interconnected while the rest stand on their own, and mirror the themes of aging and the horrors that come with it. The collection is vivid and humorous at times, dark at others.
Simply pick up copies of the story at the library, read one story, or read them all, see what
others thought of it in the SSC binder, add your own reflections – and be on your way!

Join us at 3:00 p.m. for eclipse related crafts and stories for kids of all ages.

It would be helpful to let us know that you are coming so we can plan accordingly, but pre-registration is not required – do drop in! Email us beldennoblelibrary@gmail.com for more information.