RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT By Marianne Zak Joe Sawmiller, originally from Clay, New York near Syracuse, moved to Lake Ashton with his wife Toni in November 2004. A guitarist since age 16, Joe joined a local band while still in high school. He began dating Toni at 17, and they married four years later—on his birthday, June 25, 1966—so he’d never forget their anniversary! Together they raised three children and now enjoy five grandchildren. At 19, Joe hit the road with his first band, The Pastels, followed by The Vikings, and eventually Don Barber and the Dukes. They performed songs like “The Waddle,” “What’s Your Name,” and “Henrietta,” all still searchable on YouTube. Joe has shared the stage with acts like The Searchers, Little Eva, The Angels, and Lou Christie. Once married, Joe left the road but not music, working weekdays at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station while playing weekends locally. He performed for over 20 years with The Viceroys, drawing crowds of 5,000 at Syracuse’s “Party in the Plaza.” A lifelong Elvis fan, Joe’s favorite genre is rock and roll. His Elvis performances—costume and all—are a hit at Lake Ashton events. One of his highlights was visiting Graceland in Memphis. Joe retired from his job, but not from performing. In 2012, he co-founded Lake Ashton’s beloved Perfect Pitch Band, serving as lead male vocalist and guitarist until 2020. The band was even featured on CNN’s United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell. Joe performed in the community Talent Show for 14 years, ran spotlight for the Entertainment Series for 12 years, and has volunteered at Bingo since 2007. After the sudden passing of Bingo leader John DeWinkler in December 2024, Joe quickly stepped up to lead, ensuring its smooth return within two weeks. He arrives early every Monday and handles operations all week long. Joe also enjoys cruising, karaoke, and traveling north each summer to visit family, reunite with The 14 Viceroys, and help his daughter run her girls’ softball camp. If you see Joe out walking his dog Lexi, ask him to share some of his funny band stories! …AND BEAR, OH MY! By David Fix Earlier this year, I set out to fulfill a 50-year-old Bucket List dream: thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. It started off great—until an injury in March forced me off the trail. A few weeks later, I returned with a new plan: section hiking the trail over three years. This year, I covered over 650 miles—not bad for being 66! In June, I aimed to finish the 74 miles through the Smoky Mountains. Just before starting, I got an email from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy listing shelter closures due to “aggressive bear activity.” So, I adjusted my route to avoid the problem spots. On my second day in the Smokies, after hiking 13.5 miles, I arrived at a shelter—alone. Luckily, two hikers from Michigan, Robert and James, showed up later. After some trail talk, we all dozed off to rest. At 6:15 p.m., I woke to a noise and realized a bear was inside the shelter, grabbing James’ backpack, just inches from where they were sleeping. I shouted, sounded my bear horn, and the bear bolted … with the pack. Robert and James rushed after the bear, armed with my spray, horn, and a hunting knife. They came back emptyhanded and understandably upset. About an hour later, the bear came back—while I was alone, with no horn or spray. I yelled, banged my poles, and flashed a strobe light. The bear didn’t budge. When Robert and James returned, the three of us tried everything. Still, the bear circled the shelter, creeping closer from either side. Finally, we hit it with bear spray to the face, and it slowly wandered off. But it was a restless night, to say the least. James and Robert ended their hike early—losing $1,500 worth of gear. After reading a sign that “70% of fatal bear attacks in the Smokies involve solo hikers,” I took the hint and ended my section hike for the year. Next year, I hope to continue. For now, I’m back in Lake Ashton, resting and planning the next leg of this wild adventure.
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