Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

Saturday, June 8 is the next Lexington Farmers Market.  Lots of vendors with produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, baked goods and so much more.  The market is held under the pavilion at the Lexington Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Save your appetite after checking out the Farmers Market and come on over to the Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road, West Kill for the annual Chicken BBQ.  The delectable barbecue starts at 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.  This is takeout only.  You will get half a chicken, several sides, and dessert for only $15.  If you want only a chicken half, that is $10. Proceeds benefit the West Kill/Lexington Community Improvement Association.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

Happy birthday to Bob Gurley on Friday, June 7.

Also celebrating a birthday on June 7 is Roseann Cross.

Monday, June 10 is Emily Valerio’s birthday.

Best wishes to everyone.

The Hunter Library’s monthly Coffee Klatch, June 11 (second Tuesday of each month), is from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. with light refreshments.  Everyone is welcome.

Would you like a free bowl of soup and sandwich?  Every second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, the Soup and Fellowship Kitchen is held in the Blue Room at the Kaaterskill UMC, 5942 Main Street Tannersville.   Come in and enjoy the food and fellowship on June 11 and June 25.

Lexington Fire/Rescue Company Ladies Auxiliary will meet for the monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 11 at 7 p.m. in the Firemen’s Room.

Do you like roast beef and strawberry shortcake?  There will be a Roast Beef and Strawberry Shortcake Dinner hosted by the Kaaterskill United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 18 from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., at the Tannersville Rescue Squad Building, takeout only, for a free will offering.   

Wednesday, June 19 is the Greene County Rabies Clinic from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Angelo Canna Town Park, Cairo.  Pre-registration is required.  Call 518-719-3600 or submit the form on the Greene County website https://www.greenegovernment.com/free-rabies-clinic.  This is a drive-up only clinic.  Please be prepared with proper leashes, carriers and muzzles (if necessary) for your animals to keep them and others safe.  You must present proof of pet’s previous vaccination (certificate – not tag) to receive a three-year certificate.  If no record is present, pet will be given one-year certificate.

The Kaaterskill UMC Food Pantry, by the Tannersville Firehouse, at the Tannersville Village Hall, One Park Lane, Tannersville is open on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. weather permitting.  The third Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. is for delivery to folks who do not have transportation.  Call 518-589-5787 if you need delivery, contingent on volunteer availability.  If you would like to help Kaaterskill UMC Food Pantry, you can also drop food off at Brave the Flames Restaurant, when open, and Tannersville Village Hall during the week.

There will be an AARP Defensive driving Class with lunch on Thursday, July 18 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Haines Falls Firehouse.  AARP members, $37, non members, $42.  Reservation required.  Please call Patty at 518-821-8670.

Thank you to 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.

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY - Some Other Day

By Michael Ryan

ASHLAND - The conversation tends to go hither and thither at the Ashland Tractor Pull which was on the roll again, last Saturday, hosted by the Ashland Historical Association.

More than a few folks gathered at the Ashland town park, sittin’ and schmoozin’ from not long after sunrise ’til not long before sunset.

They were ostensibly there to watch John Deere and Farmall tractor drivers drag heavy weight down a dirt track further than anybody else.

That was a small part of why they showed up, though. “We’re here to have a little fun with our kids and the community,” said Jim Decker, wearing his “Dan’s Septic” work shirt which was getting plenty dusty.

“The main thing is the fundraiser,” said Decker whose son, Copper, was waving the green or red flag, telling the drivers to get busy or wait.

Dollars were being sought to help the Historical Association continue its preservation of the West Settlement Church, out on County Route 10, Association member John Albert said.

And when that years-long task is finished, attention can be turned to the old Presbyterian Church between Ashland and Windham, hopefully transforming it into a home for Association artifacts.

Toward that end, a second Tractor Pull is slated for October 5 at the same site for the same purpose which Albert said, “might be a sweater day.”

T-shirts were more than enough in the blue sky afternoon where Dig It Dunbar was seated in the makeshift bleachers, talking a blue streak.

Dig It was being his usual good-old-boy self, reminiscing about bygone times when he and a bunch of other dudes would do mud-bogging for hours in the quarry just over the hill from the tractor pull track.

They’d make a trench wet and sloppy and scream old cars through it, trying not to get stuck, He also did garden tractor pulls, hauling who-knows-what,  which is no way to treat a gardening tool but lord a’mighty, wasn’t it sweet.

The next generation of tractor pullers was in the thick of things, including 7-year-old Emmalyn Ernst from Grand Gorge, absorbing everything her stonewall-strong daddy Josh Ernst was doing.

“This is all about the benefit,” Josh Ernst said, noting he doesn’t even really count how far he drags the weights, putting the priority instead on “taking the kids with me” when he climbed behind the wheel, 

And brimming over with country confidence, 12-year-old Michael Kiel, his roots in Prattsville, said he wants to one day make his living as a mechanical engineer, being the boss, making money.

But some other day. This particular day was for playing.

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LEGISLATURE STUFF - Putting Fiscal Eggs into Many Baskets

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - In an effort to keep things clear for we mules of taxation, and provide fiscal stability for uncertain times, Greene County Legislature members have re-established a plethora of piggy banks.

Lawmakers and other county officials, over the past few years, have been able to stockpile monies, due in no small part to an unexpected influx of sales tax revenue brought on by the covid pandemic.

People were leaving New York City and other metropolitan areas in droves, heading to the less crowded mountains, purchasing homes here and spending their money here, pleasantly fattening local coffers.

County treasurer Peter Markou, in his regular updates to lawmakers, has reported on the sweet stash of cash, accumulating to the tune of $100 million with no particular earmark.

Not that any of the loot would be wasted or frivolously spent, but there have been suggestions from the citizenry to possibly use the surplus for reductions on yearly tax bills or some method of return.

Taking a conservative approach, and remembering previous economic spikes being followed by a return to normal or even sharp drops, lawmakers opted to create several stashes.

Those reservoirs were set up within existing budgetary expenditures such as for the highway department, and planning for building maintenance.

While it is not exactly fiscal rocket science to itemize anticipated expenses that occur on a yearly basis, the policy has also brought greater efficiency to covering unanticipated and/or emergency situation costs.

County administrator Shaun Groden, in a telephone interview, further explained that New York State overseers are in on the act.

“Audit and Control is re-tightening reporting requirements,” Groden said. “Rather than having undesignated money, so to speak, they want everything delineated, dollar for dollar, which is fine with us.” 

Toward all those ends, lawmakers, at a recent meeting, approved several resolutions with the intent of “remaining committed to prudent budgetary practices”, as follows:

—Re-establishing the Department Vehicle Fund, directing $1,096,635 initially deposited last year.

—Re-establishing the Economic Development and Tourism Fund totaling $1,154,946, meeting a recurring need.

“Economic Development and Tourism have significant impacts on the local economy and revenue generation,” the resolution states.

“To remain competitive, technology, communications and equipment that are modern, effective and responsive to market conditions must be maintained,” the resolution states.

“The purpose of this Reserve Fund is to accumulate moneys to finance the costs of improvements to the county’s Economic Development and Tourism systems and operations,” the resolution states.

—Re-establishing the Emergency Services Equipment Fund, presently totaling $1,619,988.

—Establishing the General Facilities and Maintenance Fund ($1,881,226), for ongoing upkeep including but not limited to the areas of electrical, HVAC, plumbing and structural improvements.

—Re-establishing the Bridge and Road Reconstruction Reserve Fund, securing $4,694,000 to finance the cost of bridges, culverts, roads and slide improvements.

—Re-establishing the Highway Equipment and Facilities Reserve Fund ($3,518,335), maintaining a fleet of safe, fully operational equipment that efficiently delivers the services necessary for residents.

—Re-establishing the Information Technology Fund ($1,438,269), noting that vital technology “requires equipment that has a period of probable usefulness, including but not limited to cameras, computers, servers, software, wiring and other ancillary items,” the resolution states.

—Re-establishing the Real Property Tax Stabilization Fund ($11,400,000), “to finance any unanticipated revenue losses or expenditures chargeable to the eligible portion of the annual budget,” the resolution states.

In addition, the Real Property Tax Stabilization Fund serves to “lessen or prevent projected increases of the real property tax levy needed to support the eligible portion of the annual budget,” the resolution states.

—Re-establishing the Solid Waste Equipment and Facilities Reserve Fund ($571,738), for maintaining the network of four transfer stations and the routine maintenance of their daily operations.

In a fiscally related matter, lawmakers approved a budget amendment for Capital Project #140, related to the Community Services/Mental Health building, located in the town of Cairo.

County treasurer Markou was authorized to transfer $24 million from Fund Balance to Capital Project #140, focused on the anticipated rehabilitation or replacement of the century-old structure.

Legislature chairman Patrick Linger, in a telephone interview, emphasized that none of the dollars are set in stone, able to be moved if needed, although not arbitrarily, requiring a resolution from the full board.

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Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

We had our VFW Memorial Ceremony at the Ashland cemetery at Sgt. James F. Carty’s grave, Windham Cemetery and the Hensonville Memorial Monument on May 30th as that is the original Memorial Day and we traditionally perform the ceremony on that day. 

We were fortunate to have the Greene County Marine Corp League assist with our ceremony. 

At our Post this Sunday, June 9, the Windham Rotary will hold a breakfast fundraiser to benefit the WAJ Scholarship fund.

They will serve eggs of any style, pancakes, bacon, sausage, fruit, orange juice and coffee. Come and meet the members of the Windham Rotary Foundation.

There will be a 50/50 raffle and the cost of breakfast will be a goodwill offering. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Jewett Memorial Association wants to thank all who supported their Chili Cookoff. The turnout was excellent and the funds raised will be put towards the monument to be erected honoring the veterans of Jewett. Thank you to all who attended. 

June 6, 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day –– the largest amphibious military operation of modern times when 156,000 Allied troops landed by sea and air on five beachheads in Normandy, France.

We honor all those who fought and died defending freedom on that historic day. On D Day, 4,415 Allied personal died.

Of these, 2,501 US troops, 1,449 British troops, 391 Canadian troops and 73 from other allied countries were killed. As 2,000 paratroopers faced 345,000 bullets, across an area of sky covering 9 squares miles, the chances of survival were 1 in 4. 

So much has been documented regarding the invasion but not to be overlooked was the number of lives lost. Let us remember the brave soldiers that fought for our freedoms in this war and all who gave the ultimate sacrifice. This is the reason we honor our fallen on Memorial Day.

Upcoming events for our Post will be Friday, August 2, at Christmans Windham House Country Club. For information regarding the outing, you can email me at vfwpost1545@gmail.com. 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced two burial updates for service members who have been missing and unaccounted for from World War II. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:

—-Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. George E. Davies, 27, of Portland, Oregon, was assigned to the 345th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. His bomber was hit by enemy anti-aircraft and crashed on Aug. 1, 1943. He will be buried in his hometown on June 21, 2024.

— Army Pvt. 1st Class Mose E. Vance, 21, of Bradshaw, West Virginia, was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. He was killed in action on Jan. 11, 1945, and the War Department issued a Report of Death in December that same year. He will be buried in Paynesville, West Virginia, on a date to be determined. 

Please remember our troops still serving around the world and keep them in your thoughts and prayers to keep them safe. God Bless America.

Marc Farmilette, PDC – Post 1545 Commander

 

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Windham Receives First Two Apportionments from Greene County

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - So much for the Good Old Days of more-than-abundant Mortgage Tax payments in the town of Windham.

Government leaders, at a recent meeting, received the first of two annual apportionments from Greene County based on real estate transactions, one in May and a second in December.

The stipend wasn’t bad, totaling $52,979 and 5 cents, if you only consider the fact that officials annually budget $80,000 in anticipated revenues, tapping that source.

Those funds are plugged into the General Fund for various and sundry necessary expenditures, basically being free money.

Looking at it another way, however, town council members could merely rue the reduction compared to the past three or four years, since the pandemic turned the marketplace into a madhouse.

Taking last year alone, during the same six-month period, Windham was on the receiving end of a check for $119,657 from the county.

And the arrival of Jolly ‘Ol St. Nick was especially merry as the town found $154,856 stuffed into its Christmas stocking.

That accounted for a one-year total of, well, you do the math, and while you are at it, figure out what needs to happen between now and the next coming of Santa Claus and you understand the fiscal ruminating.

“We’ll definitely take it but it sure isn’t what it was,” town supervisor Thomas Hoyt said, fondly remembering when Windham was leading every other municipality in reaping what the marketplace sowed.

Windham, in 2023, was the star at the top of the Mortgage Tax tree, taking in more than the combined (and more populous) town and village of Catskill, the traditional busy spot.

But woe is Windham thus far in 2024, with neighboring Hunter already bringing in over $77,000 (combining the town and two villages of Tannersville and Hunter).

A perusal of the list goes as follows (minus the pennies):

—Town of Ashland ($12,581), town and village of Athens ($39,152), town of Cairo ($70,463), town and village of Catskill ($93,590);

Town and village of Coxsackie ($58,167), town of Durham ($25,211), town of Greenville ($51,089), town of Halcott ($895);

Town of Jewett ($25,419), town of Lexington ($17,490), town of New Baltimore ($39,025), and town of Prattsville ($1,828).

While local officials are optimistic about reaching the usual $80,000 reserve by the end of this year, the drop clearly signals a significant change.

Or more accurately, a return to the old normal. “You could read the tea leaves,” Hoyt says. “This really isn’t anything new.

“The market always fluctuates and there has been a downward trend since the peak in 2022 and 2023 when people were leaving the City.

“Mortgage rates are up. It costs more to borrow money. Maybe people are buying less expensive homes or not buying at all. Who knows?”

While the covid-motivated surge appears to be subsiding, all is not all quiet on the Windham front, specifically along South Street.

A development has been slow-moving for the past twenty-four months but as many as eighteen condo units could reportedly soon go on the market.

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Town & Museum Hold Clean-up Day at Pratt Rock Park

Please join us Saturday, June 8th at 10:00 for a volunteer cleanup day at Pratt Rocks Park. We'll concentrate on weed and invasive plant removal, as well as general cleanup. Water, trash bags, gloves and tick spray will be provided. Please come prepared with comfortable clothing that can get dirty, closed-toed shoes, and sunscreen! If you have your own rakes and pruning shears, we encourage you to bring them. 

Come help clean up this historic landscape as the weather warms up and learn about plans for conserving the carvings and other path and park improvements planned in the next year!

And don’t forget to ask for your Pratt Rock Park clean-up patch !

Pratt Rock, also known as Pratt's Rock, is a rock face or other land form that includes a series of stone carvings in Prattsville, New York depicting the life of Zadock Pratt. Pratt was supposed to be buried in a tomb carved into the stone, but work was stopped after only a small recessed chamber was created because water leaked through the rock overhead, and excavating the stone was providing to be too difficult. The rock was originally a monument for Pratt's son, George W. Pratt, who was killed in the Civil War. It is considered the first memorial for the Civil War.

Pratt Rock Park is open to the public every day, and there in no admission fee. The climb to the rocks is steep, and may be unfit for young children, but the path is clear and ascends in a series of gently graded inclines to the carved cliff wall 500 feet above the road. The stonecutters hacked chairs and benches out of the rocks along the way, and picnicking is permitted, so take your time and enjoy the ascent in a relaxed and thoughtful manner. The sculptures and the view of the valley make the short climb more than worth the effort.

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Ripley's " Believe It or Not" called Pratt Rock "New York's Mt. Rushmore". Another, less generous appraisal termed it "a monument to vanity". Town Founder Zadock Pratt called it the story of his town written in stone. Pratt Rock Park, by the side of State Route 23 on the outskirts of Prattsville, like many other points of interest in the Catskill Mountains, seems to attract widely varying opinions. Its story, like the Catskills themselves, is cloaked in legend. The story goes that a poor stone cutter passing through the village of Prattsville in 1843 panhandled the town's foremost citizen, wealthy landowner/ entrepreneur/ statesman Zadock Pratt, who was known for his largess. Pratt was also known for his belief in the salutary effects of hard work, and in return for his modest donation (reportedly fifty centers), set the man to work carving the Abraham Lincoln-ish profile of Pratt high above the village in the town.

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Pratt liked the stonecutter's work so much (the story goes), and his vanity was tickled by his likeness now presiding over the fertile valley of the Schoharie Kill, that he retained the stonecutter to carve emblems depicting Pratt's life story in the rock surrounding his profile:

• A horse and a hemlock tree (key resources in the building of the Pratt leather-tanning fortune).

• The tannery itself (with the legend, one million sides of sole leather tanned with hemlock bark, in twenty years by Z. Pratt).

• The Pratt coat of arms with the motto " Do well and doubt not", and a wreath containing the names of two of his children, George W. and Julia H. ( a third child, unmemorialized in the rock had died in infancy). The wreath originally contained the hopeful blessing " Let virtue be your greatest care and study your delighs. Wo will your days be ever fair and peacable your night". The verse was later removed, some time after George was slain in 1862 by confederate cannon fire at the second battle of Manassas (Bull Run).

Destroyed, along with George, in that rebel fusillade, were the elder Pratt's dreams of turning over his vast commercial (almost baronial) empire to his son and heir. Whether the relief sculptures of stonecutter, or whether they had been planned for years as a monument to himself by a man who had already imprinted his name on village and township, the rocks, with George's death, became a father's memorial to a dead son.

Under the bust of Zadock is a brief legend, Zadock Pratt ? Born Oct. 30th, 1970 while George was given much more copy: Hon. G.W Pratt, Ph.D/ Colxx regt., N.Y.S.M., Ulster Co., Born April 18 1830? Wounded Aug 30 in the second battle of Manassas, VA died at Albany, NY Sep. 11th. Good Brave Honorable 1862.

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George was a boy of 13 when the sculptures began. No doubt the elder Pratt often took his son to the park to watch the familiar features of his father, a horse (most probably Zadock Pratt's beloved gray, Prince), a tree and a tannery that defined his small world of Prattsville form like magic from the featureless gray rock. No doubt, also, the elder Pratt would tell his son how this accomplishment also ( and his son's after him) would one day be carved in the rocks to testify their adherence to doing well and doubting not.

The pact was sealed, George did well ( a doctorate, a term in the NY State Senate, and a Union colonelcy) and he doubted not, as he left for Washington and pointed south at the head of a regiment of militia. Afterwards, his father duly commissioned George's vital statistics carved in the rocks where their sandstone images look at each other for eternity. Between them was carved an uplifted right hand and the motto: THIS HAND FOR MY COUNTY.

There are other carvings in Pratt Rock Park including one of an arm raising a hammer (not unlike the baking soda emblem but a story to be told at a later date), but the father and son tableau hold center court.

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There is even a small recessed chamber at path level by the cliff, carved as a tomb for Zadock. That idea was abandoned, it is said, because the stonecutter found the task too difficult and water leached into the chamber. But perhaps as the years progressed and the rocks become more of a memorial to George than to Zadock, the surviving Pratt stepped out of the spotlight and chose conventional interment in the villages Benham Cemetery.

A dynasty-in-the-making died with Zadock a few years later in 1871. He had come to the western Catskills as a small boy in the early years of the 19th century. He worked hard, saved his money, and built from scratch a huge tanning business which made him very wealthy in just 20 years. Then he retired from tanning to pursue various other commercial enterprises, squire about his grand 350-acre farm, and campaign for public office (which he did successfully, including two productive terms in Congress).

The family fortune was made, the family was well connected and esteemed, and the heir apparent was groomed and educated for great things, but the war that could have launched a formidable political career for a conquering hero of the Republic, had George survived, instead brought down the House of Pratt like a house of cards. George was just one more casualty of a brutal war, and Zadock became a footnote to history.

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The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – With apologies, should have recognized the D-Day Anniversary, June 6, 1944, last week but regardless we are thankful for the service of so many who gave their all in defense of our Constitution and our freedoms. It is never to late to whisper or shout out a heartfelt “Thank you”. May we never forget their sacrifice. You can always say “Thank you for your service” to all veterans.

Nice to see Howie and Rosemarie Drum out enjoying the beautiful weather and a luncheon out on the town at the Pomodoro’s Restaurant in Catskill on Friday. Ditto for Marilyn Soule and daughter. It was a beautiful day to be out and about.

Speedy recovery to one of our favorite people, Debbie Wandursky after missing the last step of a ladder. Debbie had a timed just right, her daughter had a visit all planned so she is her to make sure her mother does not over do. Good luck with that because Debbie was at work but she did say her daughter was on her case to take things easy. Friend Theresa Gier of Grand Gorge is on the mend after her misstep. Speedy recovery Theresa. Feel better wishes go out to Jen Traver and Elliott Brainard. Ron and Mary Cline could also use some wishes for a return to good health. Really wish Ron was on the mend because he always gifted me with a large pot of basil – the very best. Feel better first Ron, and Mary.

The ladies and men of the congregation of the Prattsville Reform Church were on the ball and doing their best to supply the hungry supporters of their Chicken BBQ on Saturday. The men were manning the bbq grills and the ladies were packing up the chicken and sides to be taken home and enjoyed at your leisure time. Very delicious. The teachers of Gilboa Conesville Central School were also there offering a way to support our students. Thank you for going beyond your classwork duties to give our children more opportunities.

The Brainerd clan of Gilboa and outlaying areas got together at the home of Timmy and Luanne Brainerd for a reunion. Cathy Brainerd Martino and Dana Hommel of Elka Park attended. Do not have a list of the attendees.

Lisa and Stephen Birnbaum took advantage of the Reform Church’s BBQ on Saturday. Stephen was home playing with his big man’s toy and moving some earth around. Ladies love it when the big guys are out of the house and so Lisa “ordered out” for a non-cooking day, Win-win situation – needed funds for the Church and a day of relaxation for the cooks in the family.

Marianne and Johannes Krauss traveled to Limerick over the weekend to attend a Road Racing event. We know where they are going to be spending their fun time this summer. Go for it!

Did you have a chance to watch the girls’ gymnastics in preparation for the Olympics in Paris in a few months? Very, very impressive and they are awe inspiring.

Seeds planted last week are showing some sprouts. What would make some animal pull up beans that are showing some green sprouts only to discard them?

Things are somewhat quiet now after the busy month of May but we have an upcoming date to remind you about. On Thursday, June 13, at 7 PM at the Conine Field of Prattsville there will be a respectful ceremony to burn the American flags that are not in condition to be displayed or flown. You are invited to attend at that time and bring your flags to be respectfully burned.

There will be a Memorial Service held for Conesville veteran Al Hess on Saturday, June 15, at noon at the Conesville Fire House. Irene, Al’s widow, and family will be hosting this service and their friends in the area are cordially invited. Al, as a veteran, was a stalwart supporter of all things military and for his fellow veterans. We miss you Al.

We wish all our 2024 graduates a successful future and extend our congratulations.

Happy Birthday to Shannon Brainerd Holdridge, Brandon Haight and Peter Tocci on June 9. On June 10 it is Happy Birthday to Adam Brainard. On June 11 we send Happy Birthday wishes to Miranda Cross and Bradley Grant. We wish Charlie Rion a Happy Birthday on June 13 and may we ask his cousin Donnie Rion to extend our best wishes to him. Donnie visits him quite often. On June 14 we wish Pat Minew and Michael Piccoli a very Happy Birthday. Way out there in Missouri, we send Happy Anniversary wishes to Larry and Sandy Case Hill on June 10. On June 13 it is Happy Anniversary to Jim and Roberta Hull.

News: gurleyrv@gmail.com or 518-299-3219.

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Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - ON THE DAY WE WERE BORN

Recently, I gifted a special book to an expectant couple that would encourage the new parents to write about the unique elements inherent in the world on the day of their child's birth. 

For example, the unique sighting of the Northern Lights or the rare eclipse of the moon this Spring 2024.

These special occurrences would be hand written in the blank pages along with names of grandparents, siblings and who the president was at the time. Space was even allocated for an image or two and a newspaper clipping of the exact date of this little one's arrival. It was an exciting gift to give and the expectant parents reaction was priceless.

Kind of made me begin to wonder what was going on in the world on the day that I made my grand entrance some years ago now.

It definitely weighed on my mind long after I had given the gift.

So, After days of wallowing in curiosity, I decided to give the concept of this book that I gifted to the new parents to myself.

It’s kind of a riddle for you too. See if you can guess.

On the day I was born…The weekday was a Thursday. It was not a leap year. Under the Chinese zodiac, it was the year of the snake.

My generation was classified as Baby Boomers. (well, we knew that already) and I am considered a Gemini. True, in every sense of the word, to be honest.

The TV guide's first issue was printed and Lucille Ball's son, Desi Arnez,  was on the cover of the magazine.

Queen Elizabeth was ordained. 

The Korean War ended.

The first animated 3-D cartoon in technicolor was released.

I looked up famous birthdays and truthfully I didn’t recognize a single name. But hey, we shared a special day, so “best wishes mates!”

-Highlights of the year included President Harry Truman announcing the development of the hydrogen bomb.

-DNA’s chemical structure was discovered using x-ray diffraction by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins.

-Dr Jonas Salk announced his successful clinical trials to begin the prevention of polio with a vaccine.

-Whoa, the first people to ever reach the summit of Mt Everest occurred the day after I was born. Well done guys. Just a card would have been enough of a gift!

House of wax, the first color 3-D movie premiered in New York.

Hugh Hefner published the first edition of playboy magazine featuring Marilyn Monroe.

The first ever NTSC television sets went on sale for about $$1,175 USD. WHOA!!!! That was a life savings back then.

Ok are you sitting…US Court of Appeals ruled that Organized Baseball is a “sport” & NOT A BUSINESS affirming the Supreme Court Ruling set 25 years prior.

Shocking…! 

Have you guessed the year yet that I was born?

Believe me, this was truly a fun endeavor. 

Consider having some fun with your own with the facts “about the day you were born!” 

Best part is all you have to do is GOOGLE search your birth date and get ready to be wowed by the details.

CALLING  ALL MY Followers…

I’ve begun a monthly ADVICE COLUMN just for BABY BOOMERS. It’s proving to be quite popular…you want in?

Please send me your questions. I know you have some. It’ll be fun for everyone.  I may not be Anne Landers but I definitely would love to have an opportunity to be challenged with your cheeky, interesting questions. Here’s my email: Pelarsen528@gmail.com

Pat Larsen lives, works and plays in Greene County, NY with her husband and pup, Lily.

Pat can be reached at 518-275-8686 if you’d like to chat.

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