MLK Day proclamation, TikTok is back (poll), obituary, book club
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Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This Salem proclamation that ran in our newspaper in 1986 sums up the meaning of the day, and the man it honors:
That was fast!
Apparently TikTok is back for those who use it.
It was dark much of yesterday, but then somehow got a reprieve from President-Elect Trump? How does that work?
The details are find of fuzzy. Lots of spin everywhere.
(Trump’s being inaugurated today, by the way.)
Anyway, it’s doubtful you want some small-town newspaper’s opinion on this topic, but this whole mess has piqued our interest in the platform.
Just like banning a book increases its sales.
Maybe we’ll start a Journal & Press TikTok now.
They keep winning!
The Greenwich girls basketball team is ranked No. 2 in the state in Class C and is still undefeated at 14-0 after upending Class A Peru in a tournament at Adirondack Community College this past weekend.
Find more photos and the capsule from the game here on our Facebook Page or Instagram.
Those links above go to the direct posts. In general, people over 25 are on our Facebook and under 25 on Instagram.
We don’t have a TikTok — yet!
Who has that many hours in the day?
Obituary
David Jonathan Cook
1976–2025
Salem — It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of David Jonathan Cook, cherished husband, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. David passed away on January 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, intelligence, and an infectious enthusiasm for life.
Born on October 22, 1976, in Christchurch, New Zealand, David was deeply connected to the family and community that shaped him. From an early age, he exhibited a passion for learning, particularly in the realms of academics, history, and the arts. A proud member of the Church of Christ, David’s curiosity was boundless—whether it was in the classroom or exploring creative outlets like visual arts, drama, and music.
David’s academic journey was marked by excellence. He thrived at Papanui High School and later graduated with honors from Canterbury University in Christchurch, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Beyond his academic prowess, David was a gifted athlete, excelling in rugby and later dedicating himself to the discipline of martial arts.
David’s professional life as a software engineer led him from New Zealand to the United States, where he worked at Sungard Data Systems. He often spoke with pride about his love for America, the country he chose to call home with his beloved wife, Aimee, and their dog, Riker.
Outside of his work, David had a remarkable talent for working with his hands. Whether it was crafting, repairing, or baking, he brought creativity and care to everything he touched. A devoted baker, David delighted friends and family with desserts from his homeland in New Zealand, sharing a piece of his culture with those around him. His love for the outdoors and nature was another defining characteristic of his life, often finding peace and joy in the natural world.
David will be remembered not only for his quirky, fun-loving personality but also for the gentleness and kindness he showed to all who knew him. His sense of humor, humility, and the strength of his character left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to call him a friend.
David is survived by his parents, Margaret Blampied Cook and Norman Cook, both of Christchurch, New Zealand, as well as his siblings: Gregory (Ange) Cook and Louise Cook (Doug) Tavinor, also of Christchurch. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews. Above all, David is survived by his loving wife, Aimee Majoros, with whom he shared a love that was deep, abiding, and truly exceptional. Together, they built a partnership filled with mutual respect, joy, and unwavering devotion.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 3:00 PM at McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, located at 19 East Broadway, Salem, NY. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Fort Salem Theater in the Cabaret Room, 11 East Broadway, Salem. Parking is available at the funeral home for attendees.
To express your sympathy or share a memory please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com.
Get ready for the History Book Club
We at the Journal & Press are posting this now so you have time to read up before attending…
Washington County Historical Society’s Local History Book Club will meet from 12:30 to 1:30 PM on Wednesday, February 12, at the historical society headquarters, the Wing-Northup House, 167 Broadway, Fort Edward. Historical society membership is not required for the book club. Attendees will discuss The Autobiography of an American Family by Edith Hay Wyckoff. Ten generations of the Northup family are chronicled from 1788 in Rhode Island through their residence in Washington County. It includes the story of the rescue of Solomon Northup from slavery on a plantation near New Orleans through the efforts of Sandy Hill attorney Henry B Northup. Solomon was returned to his wife and children in Glens Falls in 1853.
Edith Wyckoff was a newspaper reporter and editor. The 242-page book, published by the society in 2000, is available at the Washington Co. Historical Society book shop.
Future sessions of the club will include books about the larger Adirondack area as well as works by local authors. Upcoming topics include William Miller and the origin of the Seventh Day Adventists in Hampton; local area Freemasonry during and after the Revolution; and the early life of Chester Arthur, 21st President. For additional information, email Connie Harris Farrington at connieandlee@roadrunner.com.
And Now for the Comics … ‘Gasoline Alley’ by Jim Scancarelli
That’s it for today! More tomorrow!