TICONDEROGA | She's almost there! Megan Cunningham's highly anticipated new restaurant, Paper and Pencil, located at 117 Burgoyne Rd., is inching closer to the finish line.

Of course, the grant isn’t a magic wand, not every small business will make it, and there’s a certain element here of having to "build it" and believe they will come.

TICONDEROGA | Though the sky was a perfect gray, the atmosphere inside Paper & Pencil was bright on Thursday, Mar. 26. The first-ever Sweethearts & Heroes Guest Bartending event was in full swing, and thanks to an extremely generous community, the tip jars overfloweth.

“Hosting the event filled my heart,” remarked Melissa O’Reilly, event organizer. “Seeing people come together to support a cause that helps kids build confidence, kindness, and courage is truly powerful.”

S&H is designed to cultivate a positive school environment and address broader school-based issues, with services focusing on building a supportive atmosphere that fosters networks of support, belonging, and a strong sense of school community. High schoolers regularly engage with elementary students, introducing them to the concepts early when they are impressionable with developing minds- and hearts….