First WiM Event a Success

WINDHAM — The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) concluded its first Warriors in Motion® (WIM) program of the season on Thursday afternoon after three days of road cycling in and around Windham. 

The ASF welcomed eight U.S. Military veterans to its Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center on Tuesday afternoon, where the warriors met with the ASF staff and volunteers who would be riding along with them during the week. The warriors were fitted for their safety equipment, bikes and adaptive equipment before sitting down for a lunch and listening to safety tips about cycling on the road. Once everyone was ready to go, the WIM group set out for a ride around town. The participants began their ride from the Windham Mountain Club parking lot, riding along South Street before taking a right onto NY-296 heading into Hensonville. After passing Windham Town Hall and entering the heart of the hamlet, the riders turned left onto County Route 65, took a left onto NY-23 and rode through the town of Windham before turning on South Street again and completing the 9.5-mile loop back to Windham Mountain Club. The veterans then checked into their hotels to get ready for a 5:30 p.m. dinner back at the ASF lodge, catered by Jessie’s Harvest House.

Tuesday’s picture-perfect weather didn’t translate into Wednesday, as the planned cycling trip on the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail was canceled due to rain. Instead, the WIM group enjoyed a group breakfast at the Windham Diner before heading to Haines Falls for a mile-long nature walk near Kaaterskill Falls. The warriors and volunteers returned to the ASF lodge to enjoy a lunch from Hickory Hill Market before deciding to go for a quick afternoon bike ride since the rain halted in the area. The WIM group set out for a ride along NY-23 to Elm Ridge and back and despite getting sprayed with water from passing cars on the road, they completed the 9.2-mile trek. The warriors were able to go back to their rooms for a shower and return to the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center for another dinner.

The week’s final ride on Thursday morning departed from the Windham Mountain Club parking lot with aspirations of riding to the Prattsville Town Park, but the incessant rain cut the ride short almost as soon as it started. The riders made it down Windham Mountain Club’s long driveway before the decision was made that it was too wet, and the rain was affecting the cyclists’ vision. The WIM participants rode back to the ASF lodge to chat about the week and eat an early lunch before they departed. 

In total, the WIM riders traveled about 20 miles on their bikes this week.

“The ASF’s WIM program is important to me because it helps me cope with my depression and anxiety,” U.S. Army veteran Alberto Corales said. “It also gives me the opportunity to meet other veterans, which lets me know I’m not the only one. I have other people I can relate to, we share information, share activities and camaraderie. It has been very helpful and I’m looking forward to many more events.” 

The next WIM event will take place on May 29 when the ASF will head to Bear Mountain for its first of two hiking excursions.

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Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - Last Child in the Woods” Won’t be from a Catskill School

That's one happy camper, or should I say, fisher! Fishing was a bit slow but this persistent Catskill fifth grader kept going until he landed a nice pumpkin seed; a common member of the sunfish family. The whole Fifth grade at Catskill Elementary got to go fishing and kayaking for two days on the Catskill Creek; connecting them to the outdoors all while having a great time. 

The Catskill Central School District Fishing Program kicked into high gear once again this May. Fifth-graders under the leadership of Catskill’s Athletic Director, Brian Smith started their day with the long walk from the Catskill Elementary School (CES) to the banks of the Catskill Creek by the high school.  

 The annual event coalesced when Catskill’s Fishing Program dovetailed with their long-running Kayak Program. This year, it took four days to get over 80 fifth-graders fishing and kayaking through the now joined programs. 

 Students took turns kayaking on the creek while the onshore squad got an abbreviated version of Fishing “101”, then commenced to dunking worms. Fishing was conducted under the guidance of staff from the Dicks House of Sports Outdoor Education Program of Latham, plus teachers, Cait Davis, Eric Joyce, school staff, and parent-volunteers doubling as freshwater fishing aficionados. 

 Dicks House of Sports Outdoor Education Program partners with schools in the Capitol District with Catskill CSD’s Fishing Program being among the most active.

 Fishing was a bit slow this year but a number of happy students caught and released their first fish, while other first timers and newcomers vowed not to be “skunked” on their next outing, now that they are “hooked” on fishing.  Judging from the smiles and excitement, it’s safe to say a good time was had by all. Seed funding in the form of a generous grant from the non-profit, Catskill Educational Foundation, enabled the creation of the Fishing Program at the Catskill District a number of years ago.

 On-water safety for this week’s events was provided by Marine Law Enforcement patrols from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies aboard their law enforcement vessel maintained a safe perimeter for the other half of the program where students were introduced to the world of kayaking on the Catskill Creek. Sheriff’s Deputies kept a close eye on the fifth-grade kayakers as their mentors safely introduced them to the sport. NYS DEC Police ECO Jason Smith was also on hand worming hooks, detangling lines, and mentoring both new and experienced kid-fishers.

 This year’s events on the creek would not have been possible without the continued effort of newly appointed Catskill Central School District Athletic Director, Brian Smith. Brian has been teaching physical education at CES for 19 years and serves as the varsity golf coach, golf coordinator for the Patroon Conference, as well as the District’s Aquatics Program Coordinator. At the inception of the program over five years ago, Brian garnered support from CES Principal John Rivers, who immediately recognized the value of enhancing students connecting to nature while kayaking and now fishing under Brian’s direction.

 Catskill’s Fishing Program had its first event back in October of 2019 when 35 middle schoolers fished North Lake with the assistance of staff from Dicks Sporting Goods, DEC, and school employees. That was the first-time fishing was added as an activity to the “Greater Sense of Place Program” (GSOP). GSOP is run by Catskill Middle School social studies teacher/outdoorsman, Dave Taylor. GSOP has been an innovative, forward-thinking program at Catskill CSD for well over 40 years. 

 Each October, Catskill middle schoolers are introduced to the wonders of nature as well as local places of interest that exist right in their own backyard. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, and geo-caching plus much more. It also includes immersive instructional experiences at local businesses and landmarks. The time honored GSOP program introduces kids to the many adventures that exist all around them. 

 Dave Taylor also oversees the Catskill Middle School Fishing Club. The fishing equipment used in this week’s kayak/fishing program was purchased at the formation of that club. Bait and tackle were supplied by Catskill’s Tom Gentalen of River Basin Sport Shop. 

 Getting kids connected to the outdoors is a critical component of GSOP, the Catskill Middle School Fishing Club, and the Fifth Grade Kayak/Fishing Program. Renowned author, Richard Louv tackled the topic of connecting kids to nature in his 2005 literary work, “Last Child in the Woods; Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder.“ It has been described as a work that, “…documents decreased exposure of children to nature in American society and how this ‘nature deficit disorder’ harms children and society.”

 While we should not be unduly alarmed at the seemingly growing trend where kids and adults grow less connected to the natural environment, it remains a topic of concern. Kids especially are spending an inordinate amount of time on screens, and according to the author, often view nature as a distant intangible, not recognizing the abundance of the natural world all around them. 

 They’re likely to be more familiar with problems like disappearing rain forests or the plight of dwindling African Elephant populations on a global conceptual level rather than recognize serious threats and destruction of their environment right where they live.

 Fishing, aquatics, and innovative program like GSOP help immerse students in the beautiful and often sensitive ecosystems right in their own backyards. Our surrounding woods, waters, wetlands and mountains offer cheap and often times free opportunities to safely explore local wonders of nature.

 Let’s help kids, their parents, and teachers, safely connect them to the outdoors so we ensure “The Last Child in the Woods” won’t be one lucky enough to have been a Catskill student.      

Happy Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping until next time!

News and Notes…

Norton Hill Wildlife Club’s 2024 Trap Shooting Schedule 

Trap shooting at Norton Hill Wildlife Club at 946 Big Woods Road in Greenville begins at 10:00 am on the following Sundays: June 9th and 16th, July 14th and 28th, August 4th and 25th, and on September 15th and 29th.  Cost is just $5.00 per round. Bring your own ammo. Trap shooting is open to all; you don’t have to be a member to take advantage of this opportunity. 

Remember to report poaching violations by calling 1-844-DEC-ECOS.

  

  

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY - Brothers Forever

By Michael Ryan

LEXINGTON - Christine Down had a quiet conversation with her husband Larry Dwon, last Saturday morning, a few hours before he was given the posthumous Greene County Veteran Memorial Award.

The tribute recognized Corporal Dwon’s service during the Vietnam War with the United States Marine Corp 5th Division, often engaged in the deepest deadly depths of combat. 

“My father never spoke to us about his time in the Marines,” said Dwon’s son Matthew, one of many speakers for the event, held at Catskill Point.

“My brother [Paul] and I didn’t even know about his decorations until after he passed away,” Matthew said, referring to his father’s breathtaking assemblage of military medals and citations.

Corporal Dwon received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross) and Republic Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Action).

He was a decorated Rifle Marksman and was given the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, fighting with his comrades in hellish places such as the Quang Tin Province.

Corporal Dwon was enmeshed in Operation Union II, a particularly deathful search and destroy mission in the Que Son Valley.

Official reports say 110 Americans gave their lives and 241 were wounded while 701 were reportedly killed from the People’s Army of Vietnam,  between May 26 and June 5, 1967.

Laying down his weaponry upon returning stateside, Corporal Down transferred his national patriotic duty to community oriented deeds.

Private citizen Dwon belonged to the West Kill United Methodist Church, was fire chief for the Lexington Fire Company and a driver for the  

volunteer Lexington Rescue Squad.

He initiated the Junior Firefighting program, served as president of the Greene County Fire Investigation Team and was the no-nonsense, eminently fair code enforcement officer for his adopted town.

Cancer claimed Mr. Dwon in the autumn of 2005, spending his waning days in his home garden with Christine and their winged visitors, hummingbirds Matilda and Rupert who Mr. Dwon photographed elegantly.

Mrs. Dwon will tell you unflinchingly that the hummingbirds still serve as mystical messengers between she and her husband.

“I talked to Larry today,” Christine whispered in the minutes leading up to the respectful veteran’s award ceremony. “I told him ‘we did it.’”

She meant getting this solider the dignity he deserved - and that Corporal Dwon would sternly remind you it was nowhere near his alone.

“My father knew his country was greater than himself,” son Mathew said. “There is one day I will never forget. I was working with him when somebody walked up to him and said, ‘Happy Birthday.’

“I thought to myself, ‘it’s not my dad’s birthday,’ but he turned to me and said it’s the Marine Corp’s birthday. Marines never quit being brothers.”

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MOUNTAINTOP LITTLE LEAGUE

Opening Day

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - It’s a different world we live in, many people will tell you, which was the unchanging charm of Opening Day at the Mountaintop Little League, on a recent Saturday morning.

The ceremonial first pitch was tossed by Greene County sheriff Pete Kusminsky, right down the middle if Stumbo the Giant was batting.

Otherwise, it was way too high for Yankees catcher Beau Landi to snag, even bouncing on a trampoline, although that was swiftly forgotten.

“Let’s play ball,” the kids shouted, setting in motion another season for the league which dates back to the late 1950’s.

Several folks were on hand who could pleasantly reminisce about when they suited up on the exact same field or a similar, pint-sized ballpark.

“When I first came to Windham, it was a Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn world,” said former Knights of the Road president Bruce McNab.

McNab didn’t play ball at the South Street diamond where a hundred or more kids have signed up this year for little league and t-ball.

He grew up in Brooklyn before settling here fulltime, working for the state police and, when he was off duty, serving with the Knights of the Road, longtime sponsors of the little league.

“This place is like home to me,” McNab said, gazing at the outfield grass, soft and green as it always is, and Old Glory waving gently in an easy spring breeze out beyond the centerfield fence.

Nothing different there, and there was much familiar too for Pete Varelas, a onetime little league all-star, on duty with the Windham police department for Opening Day.

Varelas got a faraway look in his eye, remembering the night he poked one over the left field fence at the same H.B. Moore Field, smacking the wall of the house that is still there.

His coach was Jere Baker, the reliable machinery-fixer guy In the hamlet of Maplecrest who these days measures his age in centuries, not decades, if that tells you anything.

Well, maybe Jere’s not quite that ancient but Varelas also recalls ripping a grand slam at Hunter-Tannersville school when he was playing for the Windham-Ashland-Jewett school nine.

“I hit it off Jerry Burns. Whenever I see Jerry, I remind him,” Varelas says, smiling, noting he still has the ball which rolled down to Main Street in Tannersville and was retrieved for posterity. 

Tyrel Sherman is the Knights of the Road president and the fire chief for the Hensonville Fire Company these days. Back in his little league prime, he cranked 14 homeruns one season, clearing the fence by a country mile.

“There were a bunch of us who used to do it,” Sherman said, mentioning Matt Blanden, Justin Lonecke and Jean Aplin.

“Not true,” said Aplin, perhaps one of the first females to suit up for the Mountaintop Little League, before that became not different at all.

Aplin, the league vice-president and a coach on one of the four little league teams, goes by the married name Jaeger these days, saying, “I hit a few out in practice but never in a game.”

Billy Scarey never did either. He was on duty with Varelas for Opening Day, dressed in Windham police officer blue rather than the black and gold he wore when suited up with the little league Pirates.

Scarey was a singles hitter and, according to him, played the “best position on the field,” which in his mind was behind the plate.

Most kids hate it back there, given the control, or lack thereof, a 10-year old kid has over their pitches, but Scarey marches to his own baseball drum.

“I loved being the catcher because I couldn’t catch anything in the outfield,” Scarey says, passing what are affectionately called the tools of ignorance on to his son, William Jr., who, unlike his dad, could and did go yard.

Sheriff Kusminsky, meanwhile, was a down-mountainer, playing in the Palenville little league, later coaching in the Cairo little league.

Kusminsky says he was a second-sacker with no shot at the Big Leagues but adds, “I’ll do anything to support kids,” explaining why it was easy breezy, traveling to Opening Day where the joy of it never changes.

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Catskill Mountain Country Store Celebrates 30 Years

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - The joint was jumping when Natasha and Drew Shuster held a 30th Anniversary gig, last Saturday, for their eminently successful Catskill Mountain Country Store.

It isn’t all that unusual for the place to be hopping, on the west end of Main Street in downtown Windham, where they have, “a little bit of everything,” Drew says, believing it is one of the reasons for their continuing fruition.

Another explanation, and probably more to the point, has been the “creativity and hard work of my wife,” Drew says.

As for his part, “I am hard-working too but mostly I listen to what Natasha says,” Drew reveals, smiling sagely.

There are a lot of stories that can be told about Catskill Mountain County Store, which had humble beginnings, offering baked goods, a produce stand and a small gift shop, a few blocks east of the current location.

Over the years and after outgrowing that spot in a short eighteen months, the business has added a popular breakfast and lunch restaurant, an animal rescue farm and the Happy Sappy maple syrup museum.

A faithful and steady stream of new clientele find (according to the season) Christmas trees or pumpkins, a Pirate Playground, a giant easy chair and frog pond outside, with old-fashioned games, toys and foods inside.

“People like to come here because it reminds them of their childhood and grandma’s house,” says Drew, a familiar voice on local radio, letting folks know what cookies, pies or cakes might be even more special this week.

“We have fresh and simple food of the absolutely highest quality. Three generation of families come here. They bring their kids. They make memories in a real way,” Drew says.

After the last table is readied for tomorrow and the lights are turned off, that is the time when the truest measure of success settles in deepest.

Natasha and Drew have three children, growing up in a little rural town while each is forming their own niche in a changing word.

Lone son Gus, who was present for the anniversary gig, rose to fame as the maker of apple cider donuts in his youth, making a living today as a molecular biologist.

Daughter Sydney, who was similarly famed for her fudge, is a “rising star” in the field of chemistry, working toward her PhD at Yale University.

And daughter Tori could one day rule the roost in multiple fields, either environmental justice, anthropology or linguistics, says proud dad.

They’ve been given a solid foundation at the The Catskill Mountain Country Store which was hit hard by the Great Flood of 201l, although the destruction was transformed into a vital life lesson.

“That flood was absolutely wonderful, “Drew says, stoically. “It enabled us to teach our kids the true meaning of community, seeing and helping neighbors, friends and customers pull together.”

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Jewett Seeking Names for Veterans Monument

By Michael Ryan

JEWETT - Wanting to leave no man or woman behind, Jewett government leaders are seeking final input on names that will be inscribed on the planned Veterans Monument.

A list of names accumulated thus far is posted and easily accessible for reference on the town of Jewett website. Local officials welcome any possibilities, wishing to respectfully pay tribute to all. 

Town council member John Giordano, at a recent meeting, gave an update 

on the project which has taken an unexpectedly positive pecuniary turn.

Giordano took command of the effort earlier this year, picking up on an idea suggested by town Judge Stephen Canfield to honor all veterans.

The plan was one thing. Finding dollars to make it reality was another and when fundraising began no one was certain the goal could be achieved.

“We are hoping to raise the money in three months and take six months to build it, dedicating it by the end of 2024,” Giordano said.

“I can see this coming together. This is going to happen. Just talking about this monument gives me chills,” Giordano said.

While the optimism was genuine, initial estimates put the cost at a daunting $20,000, working with Henderson Monument company in Catskill.

It was agreed from the outset that local taxpayer coffers would not be tapped, relying on contributions without knowing their source.

As it turned out, exactly half of the 20 Gs arrived seemingly as if by magic through the Greene County Legislature.

Lawmaker James Thorington (District 6, Jewett, Ashland, Prattsville and Windham) provided $10,000 via a Wayne Speenburgh grant.

Speenburgh, the former legislature chairman, had childhood roots on the mountaintop, having the grant dedicated to him after his passing.

Giordano also teamed with veteran’s groups in the area such as VFW Post #1545 in Windham, accumulating more donations.

With the money mission nearly accomplished, Giordano has set the wheels in motion with Henderson Monuments, not knowing what might occur next.

More magic is what occurred in the form of $25,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) help from the county legislature, sending more chills tingling up Giordano’s spine.

The ARPA funds are being offered equally to towns and villages throughout the county, according to legislature chairman Patrick Linger, and will be appreciatively applied for by Jewett, expecting receipt.

“This lets us accomplish even more than we originally thought,” Giordano says, imagining a brick walkway leading to a small green where the new monument will be set, alongside an existing 9/11 memorial.

And as long as everyone is dreaming, landscaping, fencing and a new flag pole could be added, also hoping to coordinate with the county highway department to extend a culvert in front of the two monuments.

The longer culvert would allow for better access to the site, along Route 23C, across from the municipal building.

A timeline for setting the stone could be announced at the next town board session, in mid-June, aiming for dedication ceremonies this autumn.

Meanwhile, officials are asking residents to share information on anyone and everyone that should be inscribed on the monument, having so far compiled a list totaling over 300 names.

Veterans with any connection to the community are sought, already finding local citizens dating back to the Revolutionary War, blanketing the Civil War, World War I, World War II and recent Middle East campaigns.

“There will be a star after those who died in service,” Giordano says. “There will be a notation of MIA for those who were recorded as missing in action.”

And continuing the fundraising campaign, a Chili Cook-Off is unfolding on Saturday, May 25, starting at 11 a.m. at VFW Post #1545 in Windham.

Chili and fixin’s are being served until they run out with a Penny Social Auction held at 2 p.m. (bidders need not be present).

There is a donation of $5 per person at the door which includes a bowl of chili. More chefs are welcome. 50-50 drawings will take place throughout the event with live music by Bill Holdridge.

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LEGISLATURE STUFF - Breathing in the Roses

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - Taking a moment to breathe in the roses of human interaction, Greene County Legislature members brought attention to residents who impact others in integral ways, at a recent meeting.

Lawmakers, earlier this year, had proclaimed May as “Older Americans Month,” part of a nationwide pausing of appreciation, following up that declaration with specific mention of the actions of a few. 

Sylvia Hasenkopf was named the county’s Senior Citizen of the Year with Steven Whateley noted for Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.

“Greene County is indeed fortunate to have numerous older residents who contribute their talents and energies on behalf of their fellow citizens,” a legislative commendation states.

“The national theme for Older Americans Month this year is “Powered by Connection” and Sylvia Hasenkopf of Cairo has lived in Greene County for 27 years, giving strength to her community during that time.

“In 1999, she created the “Tracing Your Root in Greene County” website to research Greene County history and genealogy, and has been active with the Greene County Historical Society since 2000.

“She has been active with the Cairo Historical Society since 2010, has served as president of the Society since 2017, is responsible for the Society’s “Capital Campaign” and is the editor of the Cairo Herald, their quarterly journal.

“Sylvia has been instrumental in the Cairo Hometown Heroes Banner program and co-authored a book on the subject in 2016, also compiling a diary of letters entitled “May God Have Mercy on my Soul,” in 2013.

“She has been responsible for 11 historical makers within the town of Cairo and has given numerous lectures on Greene County and Cairo history.

Hasenkopf, in 2015, was awarded, from Greene County, the Ellen Rettus Planning Achievement Award for her banner wok and in 2017 was named Zadock Pratt Benefit honoree.

“In 2023, Sylvia received Small Business of the Year recognition for her work with the local online newspaper “Porcupine Soup.”

“We congratulate her for this achievement and offer our best wishes for happiness and contentment in the coming years.”

Similar sentiments were expressed for Whateley who is a “member of the Athens Senior Citizens Club and has volunteered for the past ten years,” the commendation states. 

“He donates his time to the Athens Community Food Pantry by unloading trucks and preparing food orders for other citizens.

“Steve volunteers for the Rivertown Senior Center by creating and managing a Facebook page for the Center.

“He serves as DJ for various activities at the Rivertown Senior Center and works hard to promote the Center, making sure that seniors in the community are informed,” the commendation states.

Certificates of Merit were extended to Jan & Jack Schane from the town of Hunter and Maggie Apgar, living in the town of Athens.

They were picked out for their “tireless and unselfish volunteer service and for upholding the highest standards of humanitarianism and fellowship.”

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Out Lexington Way

The American Flag flies proudly on top of the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower overlooking the land of the free and home of the brave.  For those who have sacrificed all and to those who protect and serve, we salute you. Photo by Paul Dwon

By Christine Dwon

Words cannot express how grateful my family and I are for the ceremony honoring United States Marine Corps 5th Division, CPL Lawrence Dwon, as Greene County’s 2024 Veteran Memorial Award recipient on May 18.  The service was held at the Historic Catskill Point Warehouse in Catskill.  The work and attention to details to make this ceremony so impressive and respectful to recognize and honor CPL Dwon receiving this distinction, is truly something we will never forget.  To everyone who participated and attended, we want to say a heartfelt thank you. In memory of CPL Lawrence Dwon, Semper Fi.

The annual meeting of the West Kill/Lexington Community Improvement Association was held May 18 at the Community Hall.  Was a very nice turnout and a summary was given of improvements made to the hall, events held and events planned for this year by President Mary Palazzolo, Treasurer Report by Tom Reed and Secretary Report by Devon Russ.  There was also election of Board Members.   Everyone enjoyed the coffee hour and fellowship. 

The Lexington Farmers Market begins the 2024 season on Saturday, May 25 under the pavilion at the Lexington Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  There will be local produce, cheeses, meats, eggs, baked goods, more and toe-tapping music.  The market runs every other Saturday through Oct. 28

Come over to the Lexington/West Kill UMC Fellowship Hall in Lexington on Saturday, May 25, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. for an open house to celebrate Lois Banks’s 90th birthday.  Food will be provided but feel free to bring a dish to share.

Something else to check out on Memorial Day weekend is the Rummage Sale that will be held at 11361 State Route 23, Ashland (Lula Anderson)  from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 25,  (maybe Sunday, May 26) and Monday, May 27 to benefit the Ashland Community UMC.

The annual Memorial Day Parade will be held in West Kill on Monday, May 27.  Meet at the Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road, West Kill, at 9 a.m. for a short service and then march to the cemetery in the hamlet and then proceed to the West Kill Community Cemetery followed by a stop at the Commemorative Memorial Park flagpole and to the West Kill Fire Station for the traditional serving of ice cream.  Please join us in remembering those that served our country.

On Friday, May 31 there will be a graveside service for Louise Van Etten in the Lexington Community Cemetery at 11 a.m. followed by gathering for a meal at the Fellowship Hall in the Lexington/West Kill UMC in Lexington.

William Trach celebrates his birthday on Saturday, May 25.

Happy 45th wedding anniversary to Pastor Bob and Diane Nash on Sunday, May 26.

Tuesday, May 28 is the 90th birthday of Lois Banks.

Also celebrating a birthday on May 28 is Kevin VanHentenryck.

Best wishes to everyone.

The Greene County Department of Human Services Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of May 27 – May 31 is as follows:  Monday—Memorial Day—All senior nutrition sites and main office closed; Tuesday—Lemon pepper fish, Au Gratin potatoes, winter mix vegetables, butterscotch pudding; Wednesday--Shepherd’s Pie, green beans, applesauce, cookies; Thursday—Hungarian goulash, red cabbage, carrot coins, egg noodles, strawberry shortcake; Friday--Meat ravioli, sausage, tossed salad, Italian mixed vegetables, fresh fruit.  The meal will be the meal that is delivered to all Greene County homebound meal clients.  All persons age 60 and older are invited to join for lunch.  Suggested donation is $4 per meal.  If you have a food allergy, please notify us.  Allergen information is available for prepared food items.  Those wishing to receive a meal must notify the respective location by noon a day in advance.  The number to call for the Senior Service Center at the Jewett Municipal Building, Route 23C, Jewett is 518-263-4392.

Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease presentation by Teri Osterhout-Paton, RRT, CPFT, AE-C, Pulmonary Disease Educator on Thursday, May 30, 11:30 a.m. at the Jewett Senior Nutrition site.  Blood pressure and oxygen level readings and discussion on living with Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease, asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis.  If you would like to have lunch, please call the Jewett site a day ahead, 518-263-4392.

Looking ahead to June, the annual Chicken BBQ will be held at the Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road, West Kill on Saturday, June 8 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., take out only.  Dinners are $15 and chicken halves are $10.  Proceeds benefit the West Kill-Lexington Community Improvement Association.

Thank you to all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, healthcare providers, volunteers, veterans and actively serving military, farmers, truck drivers and so many more.

Prayers for all who are dealing with loss, illnesses, healing, difficulties, our country, our military and their families, the world.

Until next week take care, be thankful, be respectful, be safe and please be kind to one another.  Your act of kindness may change someone’s life.

On Memorial Day please honor, remember, pay respect and never forget those who gave all.

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