Ashland Speaks

By Lula Anderson

We're halfway through January, and according to the weathermen we're halfway through meteorologist winter. We've had a brief January thaw which is good for morale. We had time to take down, and put away, our outdoor decorations. Stakes came out of the ground so even they are stored. Have you been following through on your resolutions? I think most of us have resolved to have a healthy year ahead. Get up and move more. When it's nice go out for a walk, eat healthier, and develop a healthy sleep pattern. Maybe consider volunteering more. There is a great need for those of us over the age of 80 , and especially those over 90, for transportation to doctor appointments, going to church activities, and even shopping. You don't realize the need for medical transportation until your spouse dies and you have no one to take you to eye appointments or anything that needs sedation. Just an extra pair of eyes and ears at the doctor's office is a big help as we tend to forget important issues.

Thinking about doctor appointments, the WAJPL meeting for January was cancelled due to the flu outbreak. We figured that we didn't need to be in a group of people at our vulnerable age. Hopefully we will be able to meet in February. In the meantime, remember that the money for the trip to VA International Tattoo in April is due plus dues for 2026 . Checks should be mailed to WAJPL Golden Age Club PO Box 96 Hensonville, NY 12439.

Kaaterskill UMC is still holding Soup Tuesday, every other Tuesday in the Blue Room of the church in Tannersville. Plus the Jewett Nutrition Center is still serving meals Monday thru Friday. Call a day ahead to make your reservation at 518-236-4392, It's open to all residents over the age of 60, and a good place to meet for a reasonably priced ($4) nutritious meal, served by a very friendly staff on china plates and real flatware. See the monthly menu in the Greene County RoundTalble available at your local Post Office or on line.

Prayers to Sandy and Barry Esbin, Phyllis Hillis-Thorpe, John O'Brien, Greg Beckmann, Tricia LoPresti.Opal DeLong, Nellis and Christine Newcomb.

AS I REMEMBER IT

I watch a lot of television since I am lo longer able to drive, and I keep seeing car commercials where for only a couple of thousand sown and monthly payments you can own a brand new car. I think that's great, but where do I have to go to get this car? Remember when we had car dealerships here on the Mountain Top? Who didn't go to Ashland and get their brand new Chevy from George Dodge? Were you a Buick fan? Crandall's in Windham could get you one. Lyle Sokoll sold Fords, Fancher's in Hensonville sold Oldsmobiles and Stewart's in Maplecrest had GMC trucks. Most sold new and used vehicles, and you didn't have to travel far to look around.

The older I get, the more I bemoan the loss of business on the Mountain Top. Where do we go for groceries? Jim's Great American in Prattsville, Topps in Tannersville, Hannaford in Cairo. No "I ran out of ---- and need it for the recipe I'm making. All shopping trips have to be planned in advance and heaven forbid you leave your list at home. The local stores are priced with the weekend visitors in mind. Many places have delivery service, but we're just a hair too far away for it. I've done pick-up orders, but that means I still have to travel to get it.

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to support our local merchants without breaking the bank?