WAJ Students Perform In Massachusetts Festival

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM -  A history-making trip was made, May 24, by select band and chorus members from Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School.

WAJ students, under the musical direction of Leslie Beauregard and Annie Drewello, performed at the “Music in the Parks Festival” in Massachusetts. 

All members of the Junior and Senior Bands and Choruses were given the opportunity to audition for a place in the Music in the Parks ensembles.

The students listed below met all audition requirements and were able to participate in their respective ensembles for the festival:

Thomas Candreva, Piper Cohane, Payton Dempsey, Valeria Diaz, Hailey Dolan, Angelina Domena, Charlie Doran, Scarlett Douglas, Sophia Dyjak, 

Abby Gardner, Gianna Garzone, John Garzone, Lizzie Gonzalez, Brian Greene, Christian Greene, Angeleah Griffin;

Addison Hansen, Ashtyn Hansen, Sofia Hoshenko, Aly Hoyt, Avery LaPlace, Tyler Lashua, Phoebe Leach, Ben Leto, Selina Li, Jack Lonecke

Dora Lopes, Theo Lopes, Edwin Lopez, Luke Maeurer, Daisy Mason, Hannah Mattice;

Aedan Milstead, Alexis Moss, Bryce Palumbo, Isabel Pedrick, Jack Pellettier, Owen Pellettier, Valerie Petrie, Kayla Rusk, Devin Schlosser, Riley Slater, Harrison Smith, Adelyn Sutch, Jacob Sutch, Lada Svechnikova, Matthew Weiman and Alexis Weinberg.

Music in the Parks is a motivational, one-day festival where the students perform two musical selections for adjudicators, and receive a rating.

As part of the process, judges provide both written and recorded comments on the performance. The students are rated on categories such as:

tone, interpretation, diction, technique, etc.

Following the performance, students enjoy some well-earned time at Six Flags Amusement Park as a reward for their work practicing and preparing for the festival.

“We are very pleased to announce that their dedication throughout the process truly paid off,” Beauregard stated. 

“Both the Band and Chorus earned a trophy for their performances and scored in the category of “Excellent!!” 

“The adjudicators provided very useful suggestions to further strengthen the ensembles, as well as positive reinforcement for the areas in which our groups excelled.”

The Band received such comments as, “This is a spirited group, parts

are well learned, and technique is really good.” “The low brass and woodwind playing is crystal clear.

“Your fundamentals are firmly in place and you’re doing some really musical things” and “What an age range – you’re doing a remarkable job with such varied ages of experience – I think you should be really proud of what you’ve accomplished!” 

Some comments for the Chorus were, “Lots of attention to vowel shape, ending, consonants and cut offs - your unisons were fantastic – the way you listened to each other, made you sound like one voice.

“Nice smiles – it is fun to sing and I can tell you’re having a good time,” and “Everyone was really well prepared – a lot of strong fundamental work!”

“This year, for the first time ever, WAJ was chosen above all other groups attending the festival, to receive the coveted “Esprit de Corps” award,” Beauregard stated.

“This award is given to the group who exudes camaraderie, enthusiasm, honor and pride in their work and accomplishments as a team.

“We are very proud of the accomplishments of the students in the program this year and are grateful for the students who went the “extra mile” to prepare for this festival.

“Their hard work and dedication shone through! Also, a huge thank you to the administration, Board of Education, bus drivers and chaperones who made this day a reality for us all. 

“We are very fortunate to work in a community that continues to support and nurture music studies at WAJ,” Beauregard stated.

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY - Historically Perambulating with Planck

By Michael Ryan

HAINES FALLS - Memory does not serve when I first met Jim Planck, a kind-hearted gentleman who now-and-then seems misplaced in time.

Jim is giving a presentation this Saturday (June 15) at the old U & D Train Station in Haines Falls where I could easily envision him being the conductor, back in the day.

His talk is called “Pine Orchard: Lair of the Mountain House,” going from 2 to 4 in the afternoon, the first of two such historical sojourns, followed on September 2 by the second installment.

This weekend, he will be chronicling events leading up to the construction of the Catskill Mountain House, calling it, “one of America’s first resort destinations,” high up in the local Catskills.

Far be it for me to try to say anything about the place which could be fabled but was simultaneously real and imaginative and splendorous.

Doing some back-checking on Wikipedia (which might make the Rip Van Winklish beard of Jim bristle), the Mountain House opened in 1824, two slow-but-sure centuries ago.

It was a famous hotel near Palenville, overlooking the Hudson River Valley, “In its prime, from the 1850s to the turn of the century, it was visited by three U.S. presidents (U.S. Grant, Chester A. Arthur, and Theodore Roosevelt) and the power elite of the day,” Wikipedia states.

I could also easily picture Jim absorbing the grand vista from the deck of the hotel, mingling with the pundits of that era, no longer misplaced.

It should be interesting to hear what Jim shares about the Mountain House  and the folks who frequented it, all ghosts now (except Jim, of course).

New York State operates North-South Lake near the site, part of a cozy stroll along the Escarpment Trail if you so wish. Walking there, one can wonder if the wind is the same, or has it too changed?

As for Mr. Planck, he is vice-president of the Greene County Historical Society and editor of the GCHS quarterly journal.

Jim had a 30+ year career as a reporter covering Greene County news, which is how we professionally crossed paths, working at the former Windham Journal where, for a spell, he was my boss.

Once a week, we would travel to the main office in Catskill as Jim put together the paper for publication, a situation that didn’t last long.

As a kid, I was what many teachers termed a pain in the anatomical section on which they sat. I spent most of my school days in the Dean of Students office or standing in the hallway, kicked out for disrupting the class.

It is a quality I find endearing. Jim didn’t. He soon enough advised me to stay as far away from the office as possible.

We got along fine after that. Over the years he has made his mark, writing articles for Kaatskill Life, Columbia County Heritage, and Greene County History.

Many people may not know Jim served with the Marines from 1965-69 with a tour of duty in Viet Nam, afterwards (and perhaps before) embedding himself in historical minutia like no one I’ve eve seen.

Let me take that back. There was a fellow named Charles Emil Dornbusch who is a kindred spirit with Jim Planck.

Dornbusch was a noted military bibliographer (including his classic tomes on the American Civil War) and owner of the Hope Farm Bookshop.

I worked for Mr. Dornbusch in my youth, doing everything from A to Z at his quaint bookshop, tucked in the woods outside the village of Cornwallville.

Perhaps that is where Jim and I met. However it happened, I would be curious to see if he will mention the Fried Chicken War, this weekend.

I was going to ask him about the battle if he came on my weekly radio show on WRIP, an invitation he declined. It’s probably wise. I still tend to ramble.

The way Wikipedia spins the yarn, “one summer day in 1880, a prominent Philadelphia businessman and longtime Mountain House guest, George Harding, asked a waiter to bring some fried chicken to his daughter.

Roast beef was customarily served but Harding’s daughter, Emily, had been prescribed a diet excluding red meat, prompting the request.

An argument inexplicably ensued. Word of it reached hotel owner Charles Beach who refused the request, instead suggesting Harding, if he so desired, build a hotel of his own.

“Harding called the bluff,” Wikipedia states, “beginning plans for his own hotel to be located atop neighboring South Mountain and utterly dwarf Beach’s” which was done. Maybe good ‘ol Jim will spill the rest.

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LEGISLATURE STUFF - Outcry Over OSHA

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - The routine was disrupted when Greene County Legislature members got the monthly report of county Emergency Services director John Farrell during a Public Safety committee meeting, last week.

Farrell shared the usual numbers from his agency, noting there were 554 ambulance calls in May along with 163 fire calls and 1464 police calls as well as one Fire Investigation Team summons.

Suddenly shifting gears, Farrell gave attention to new standards possibly being enacted by the federal OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) that are stirring controversy.

Lawmakers were not exactly surprised by the shift from the mundane, having been informed ahead of time by Farrell he was coming, and preparing a resolution in opposition to some of the OSHA moves.

“Last week, I sent a power point out to all legislators which spells out all proposal regulations,” Farrell said, providing a bit of background.

“There is no question [the current regulations] are outdated and lag behind. After 9/11 [in 2001], it was suggested to the OSHA board to start reviewing those regulations. 

“Twenty years later, in December, 2023, the OSHA board put these new regulations out for a public comment period of 90 days,” Farrell said.

“Once agencies such as the National Volunteer Fire Council were aware of these proposals, communications to [firefighting organizations in all States] started to work together.

“Yesterday morning (on June 4) the House Homeland Security Sub- Committee on Emergency Management and Technology held a hearing,” Farrell said.

The hearing included representatives from the National Volunteer Fire Council, New York State Firefighting Associations and the International Association of Firefighters. 

“This was the first time they met at the same table,” Farrell said, on behalf of all volunteer firefighter and professional firefighter levels. 

Dave Denniston represented the combined State fire groups, focusing on his own small fire district, noting their annual budget is $280,000.

“With all the changes in those new [OSHA] regulations, his budget would increase 42 percent,” Farrell said. 

“[Dennison] mentions his rural community covers a population of 2500,” Farrell said, not dissimilar to many Greene County fire districts.

“Our volunteers are our first line of defense,” Farrell said. “How are they going to survive? Taxpayers can’t afford this increase.”

Distant rumblings are being heard about the ultimate survivability of volunteer firefighting, not unlike the potential extinction of volunteer ambulance services, steadily going toward fully paid employees.

The very real fiscal and regulatory bottom line is, “there is a gap between the volunteer and professional firefighters,” Farrell said.

“The OSHA Board needs to understand the vast differences in departments and most importantly, the makeup of our rural fire service throughout the United States.”

While nothing is certain “they are listening,” Farrell said, noting the OSHA Board has forwarded the public comment period to July 22, allowing additional time for rural agencies to bolster their collective stance.

In a subsequent phone interview, Farrell said, “volunteer fire services are not opposed to updates. We all know we need more training and better equipment, but maybe down the road.”

Acknowledging that consolidation of smaller departments is likely the wave of the future, Farrell said, “we need to have a voice at the table,” urging firefighters and citizens to add their voices to that cause.

The Greene County legislative resolution seeks to:

—Ensure equitable and substantive representation of volunteer firefighters in the proposal process, proportionate to their significant contribution to emergency services nationwide (representing 65 percent of firefighters).

—Simplify and expedite the incorporation of referenced standards (22 in total) into the proposed standard  to enhance clarity, accessibility and comprehension across the diverse emergency response landscape.

—Reevaluate the intended audience and scope of the standard to accommodate the varying regulatory frameworks and classifications of volunteer firefighters across different States, ensuring equitable treatment and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

—Transform the proposed standard into a dynamic, adaptive "living document,” capable of evolving in tandem with emerging national needs, technological advancements and best practices.

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Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

Thank you to everyone who prepared the food, helped in any way and came to the Community Hall for dinners to support the West Kill/Lexington Community Improvement Association’s annual Chicken BBQ on June 8 in West Kill.  The weather was beautiful, the food delicious and it was a great success.

As always, the Lexington Farmers Market was the place to be on June 8.  There was music and fresh veggies, eggs, cheeses, meats, baked goods and so much more.  Next market will be June 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. under the pavilion at the Lexington Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42.

On your way through West Kill, have you noticed how beautiful the West Kill United Methodist Church looks with its new siding?  Many thanks to Steve Rossignol Builders for the excellent work.  Work was completed with care and expertise.  If you would like to give Steve a call, his number is 518-929-4973.  

Happy birthday to Patty Minew on Friday, June 14.

Monday, June 17 is Fran Melodia’s birthday.

Also celebrating birthdays on June 17 are Moriah Gallagher and Elizabeth Haines.

Tuesday, June 18 is Alden “Skeet” Constable’s birthday.

Best wishes to everyone.

Annual Children’s Fishing Derby at Onteora Lake sponsored by the Catskill Mountain Fish and Game Club and The Stony Clove Rod and Gun Club will be held on Saturday, June 16.  Registration begins at 9 a.m., fishing from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Entry to Onteora Park Association Lake is through Cranberry Road off Route 23C approximately one mile north from the traffic light in Tannersville.  Children must be 16 years old or younger to participate – 16 years old must have a fishing license.  Prizes awarded at end of day.  Free bait and refreshments will be available.  Adults must be present but may not assist the children with landing fish.  All fish will be released after measuring.

There will be a Roast Beef and Strawberry Shortcake Dinner hosted by the Kaaterskill United Methodist Church at the Tannersville Rescue Squad Building on Tuesday, June 18 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., takeouts only for a free will offering.  

Pre-registration is required for the Greene County Rabies Clinic Wednesday, June 19 at Angelo Canna Town Park, Cairo from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please 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. Next clinic will be Aug. 14.

The next Soup and Fellowship Kitchen at the Kaaterskill United Methodist Church in Tannersville will be Tuesday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Blue Room.  Come for the fellowship and a free bowl of soup and sandwich.  All are welcomed.

Sunday, June 23 there will be a joint worship service under the pavilion at the Lexington Municipal Building at 10 a.m. with a coffee hour following the service.  Please come join us.

In the plan ahead department:  

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

Thunder in the Mountains Car Show hosted by the West Kill/Lexington Improvement Association, will be on the grounds of the Lexington Municipal Building on Saturday, July 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Vehicles 1995 or newer will have their own class.  Trophies awarded, 50/50 raffle, gift basket raffle, food and beverages.  All proceeds benefit the Wet Kill/Lexington Community Improvement Association.  Call Mary at 518-989-6813.

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.

And to fathers everywhere, Happy Father’s Day!

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Into the Woods Along the Windham Path

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - A trail of a different sort may become available to visitors of the Windham Path following talks and walks involving local government officials and the Department of Environmental Protection.

Windham town supervisor Thomas Hoyt, in a recent phone interview, said DEP is amendable to allowing their property, located adjacent to the Windham Path, to be accessible for natural strolls.

The new looping footpath could measure as long as a mile-and-a-half while minimally disturbing the existing woodlands.

It would not officially be part of the Windham Path, which is set on 76 town-owned acres, but would be easily reachable by the public and geographically connected.

“We are very optimistic this will happen,” Hoyt said, noting he walked the prospective trail with a DEP staffer, last week, and a local resident.

That resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, would pay for any town costs associated with the project, likely limited to signage, etc.
“This is quite a unique venture,” Hoyt said, noting he has spoken to DEP Bureau of Water Supply assistant commissioner David Warne, getting blessings to begin the legal process.

“We have started filling out the required application, checking all the boxes. Hopefully this can get done by the late fall,” Hoyt said.

“This is an idea that has been out there for a couple of years. It would be similar to what there is now at Elm Ridge and High Peak.

“DEP has been very cooperative on numerous trails like this throughout the watershed. If you love the outdoors, this is a great spot,” Hoyt said.

Other than a small clearing, the new trail will be barely visible, not intended for bicycles, etc., and keeping in mind the four-legged neighbors.

Visitors would most-easily use the main Windham Path parking lot, along Route 23, turning left on the Path, heading easterly.

Then heading south, toward the Bataviakill, walkers would cross over two footbridges, shortly thereafter coming to a hemlock forest (on their left or their right if they access the Path from Route 296 and covered bridge).

Once in the woods, the trail would wrap around the property (known locally as the Dent farm), swerving toward Route 65 and the Chase family lot.

“It gets kind of marshy in there so we’d be staying away from that, circling back toward the Path and bouncing over a little ravine, two skips and a jump from an abandoned gravel bank,” Hoyt said.

“There is a good-sized beaver dam as you meander through the forest and all sorts of wildlife. In fact, we came upon some white-tail deer.

“They looked at us and hopped away. They weren’t frightened. There’s all sorts of wildlife. We’d have educational signs (at the outset), identifying what you see as you walk.

“Some of the DEP lands are off limits. There are good reasons for them to be sensitive. Some tree branches would be trimmed, so you don’t get poked in the eye, and any hazards on the trail will be removed.

“Otherwise, it will be left the way it is today,” Hoyt said. “There are a lot of different bushes. It is definitely quiet in there.

“No big equipment will be used for the clearings. We would need trail-markers. Once it gets established, the trail will be easy to follow.”

And similar to walking trails established at C.D. Lane Park in the hamlet of Maplecrest, the trail would be accessible in the winter as walkers deepen footprints in the snow.

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Mountain Top Library Spring / Summer 2024 Events

Ongoing 

Mondays

2-5pm: Monday Meet-Up-Spend the afternoon sipping coffee & socializing - We’ve got games, puzzles, programs, and more! Join us every Monday afternoon to share stories, play games, learn about local history, and enjoy conversation. All ages welcome.

2-4pm: Mahjong: All levels are welcome to join in – instructions are available on-site!

4pm: Yoga with Jess- Conquer Your Case of the Mondays & Start The Week Rejuvenated! All levels welcome – Please bring a mat

Second Mondays (Every Monday in July & August)

3pm: Local History Round Table- Bring Your Pictures & Stories to Share!

Tuesdays

10:30am: Learn English with Kathleen!

Wednesdays

2pm-4pm: Tech Time: Open Hours Wednesdays. No appointment necessary, just bring your questions and your device if possible!

3:30 – 4:30pm: Chair Yoga with Jessa. Join us for a gentle, rejuvenating stretch. Chair Yoga is a great for everyone, and results in increased mobility & circulation. Thanks to The Friends of the Mountain Top Library. *Through July 24th*

Thursdays

10am: Joyful Yoga with Mary Jude Cohen *Starts August 1st*

3pm: Enrichment Thursday for Families- On-going and always changing! Games, Crafts, Projects, Lego, and more designed for the enrichment. All Ages & Family Friendly! Everybody Welcome!

3pm: Dioramas with Kim (July & August) Make Your “own” miniature diorama to display at home or give as a gift! Many ways to make one with our supplies. Great for beginners! Part of Thursday Enrichment. Thank you CREATE for making this program possible. 

Looking for Tech Help? Our Mountain Top Library Digital Navigators are ready to assist!

Digital navigators are trained, trusted guides who help deal with a variety of technology needs.

To schedule an appointment for FREE individualized support, contact us at 518-589-5707.

Special Events 

June

Mon. 6/24- 5:30pm: Artist Lecture Series- Takuro & Hitomi Shibata - A collaboration with Sugar Maples Center For Creative Arts 

Sat. 6/29 - Sun. 7/7: Story Walk at the Mountain Top Arboretum (41 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville) "Possum and the Summer Storm" Anne Hunter (author and illustrator) 

Sun. 6/30 – 11am: Friends of the Mountain Top Library Brunch & Silent Auction: Come celebrate The Friends of the Mountain Top Library 16th YEAR, with a light brunch and silent auction to support the on-going work to supplement library services. $25 per person. Please RSVP at the library by June 24, 2024 

July 

Thur. 7/11 - 11am: Poetry Workshop with Jerrice J. Baptiste, “I Fly”. “I Fly” is a workshop that allows us to connect to wings, planes, dreams, the kites of our childhood. Poems by Elizabeth Bishop, Patricia Hooper, John Gillespie Magee Jr. Dolores Hayden and others will serve as inspiration for freeing your own poems.” Thank you CREATE for making this program possible. 

Thur. 7/11 – 1pm: Book-Folding with Christine - Create a “Novel” Work of Art with Christine Doolan. Book folding is a relaxing activity that upcycles old books. No cutting of the book is done, just page folding, so the book stays intact. Choose among the provided reusable designs and get started on a project you can finish with ease at home! All supplies will be provided for this page-turning workshop! Open to Ages 13 & Older (Ages 10 & Above with Parent or Guardian) 

Sat. 7/13-10am: Poetry Workshop with Jerrice J. Baptiste, “The Universe” “Whether we are aware of it, we are part of a vast universe. Wordless, silent, outspoken we play a role. We also get to explore the moon, the stars, the sun in our poems and how we relate to them. Poems by Tracy K. Smith, Kabir, Steven Schnur and others will offer their own connection to the universe which will help you embrace yours.” Thank you CREATE for making this program possible. 

Mon. 7/15 - 11:30am: Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York: The Empowered Caregiver. This education series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Caregivers can register for individual courses to meet their needs or complete the entire series.

Call 518-675-7214 to register.

Wed. 7/17 – 12pm: Poetry Workshop with Jerrice J. Baptiste, “The Letters” “Have you ever opened an old shoe box and revisited the letters and postcards that were sent to you or letters exchanged with an old pen pal? In this workshop, we get to explore the meaning of letters sent and received in our lives. We also get to write poems, letters to someone dear. Poems by Trapeta B. Mayson, Sharon Olds and others will create a stepping stone to writing our own valuable messages.”                                              Thank you CREATE for making this program possible. 

Thur. 7/18 – 10am-1pm: Unplugged & Transcendent: Led by educator, Amanda Graham, participants will discuss the literary roots & themes of transcendentalism. We will then venture into nature, and immerse ourselves in the tenets & motifs of the movement. When we return to the library, we will reflect on what the practice and motifs have given us, and create nature journals to carry with us.

Thank you CREATE for making this program possible. 

Sat. 7/20 -10am: Book & Bake Club. Bagels, Baked Goods & Book Talk! “The Door-Man” by Peter M. Wheelwright is Available to Borrow. Reserve It Today! 

Mon. 7/22- 11:30 am: Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York: The Empowered Caregiver. This education series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Caregivers can register for individual courses to meet their needs or complete the entire series.

Call 518-675-7214 to register. 

Mon. 7/22 - 12pm-5pm: Rock n’ Reptiles. An afternoon of games, exhibits, crafts & more!

Thank you Stewarts for making this program possible! 

Mon. 7/22 - 1pm: Live Presentation from Hudson Valley Reptile Rescue. *Part of Rock n’ Reptiles day.

Thur. 7/25 – 10am-1pm: Unplugged & Transcendent: Led by educator, Amanda Graham, participants will discuss the literary roots & themes of transcendentalism. We will then venture into nature, and immerse ourselves in the tenets & motifs of the movement. When we return to the library, we will reflect on what the practice and motifs have given us, and create nature journals to carry with us.

Thank you CREATE for making this program possible. 

Mon. 7/29 - 11:30- Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York: The Empowered Caregiver. This education series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Caregivers can register for individual courses to meet their needs or complete the entire series.

Call 518-675-7214 to register. 

Mon. 7/29- 5:30pm: Artist Lecture Series- Ben Owen - A collaboration with Sugar Maples Center For Creative Arts 

Tue. 7/30- 4pm: Girl Scouts Meeting: You’re invited to join the new Mountain Top Girl Scouts Troop. For more information, call: 518-489-8110 or email: membership@girlscoutsneny.org 

August 

Fri. 8/2 - 12pm: Midsummer Music & Movement. An Afternoon of Sing-a-longs, Stories, Crafts, Music & More. Two Sessions of “Telling Stories with Dance & Music & Books,” led by Beth Jacobs 12pm & 1 pm. Thank you Stewarts for making this program possible! 

Fri. 8/2 – 7pm: The Greene Room Players Songbirds Summer Concert - Free performance featuring the most talented voices on the Mountain Top 

Sat. 8/3- Sun. 8/11: Story Walk at the Mountain Top Arboretum (41 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville)    "After the Race: A Tale of Two Olympians" Alec Sokolow & A.D. Lubow / Illustrated by Mei Li 

Mon. 8/12- 5:30pm: Artist Lecture Series- Cael Chappell- A collaboration with Sugar Maples Center For Creative Arts 

Mon. 8/19- 5:30pm: Artist Lecture Series- Patricia Miranda & Christopher Kaczmarek- A collaboration with Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts 

Tue. 8/20 - 1 pm: Watercolor with Laura Lanchantin - *All Levels Welcome *Supplies Provided *Registration Suggested 518-589-5707. Thanks to the Friends of the Mountain Top Library for supporting this program!

Sat. 8/24 - 10am – 12pm: Wilderness and Human Role - Zane Lawyer, CFA's* Education Arborist (*Catskill Forest Association, Inc.), will speak on the evolving meaning of wilderness throughout American history and its significance for the Catskills. Following the presentation, a wide-ranging open discussion of wilderness will be held with the audience to further clarify the role of humans in the environment. Participants are encouraged to tell their own stories, perspectives, and first-hand experiences with wilderness and how their own understanding has or hasn’t evolved over time. 

Mon. 8/26 – 10am – 1pm: Beginner Bookbinding with Leonard Seastone. Supplies provided. For ages 16 and up. Please register by calling 518-589.5705.      Thank you CREATE for making this program possible. 

Wed. 8/27 - 4pm: Girl Scouts Meeting - You’re invited to join the new Mountain Top Girl Scouts Troop. For more information, call: 518-489-8110 or email: membership@girlscoutsneny.org 

September

Sat. 9/7- Sun. 9/15: Story Walk at the Mountain Top Arboretum (41 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville) The Little Guys" by Vera Brosgol

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The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – Our appreciation and thanks go out to our veterans, present or deceased, for their sacrifices and patriotism. Also the same goes out to our medical professionals, firemen, EMTs, and essential workers. Thank you.\

Our local schools will soon be on summer break and it is a good time to remind all drivers that there will be more children on the sidewalks and roadways on their way to enjoy their summer activities. Please be careful. Congratulations to all graduates and other students moving up a grade. Enjoy your summer and be careful. Who do you have in your family graduating from high school or college? Will be glad to share you good news with our readers.

Got a call from a Eleanor Van Aken Tompkins in the north country. She said her family was from the Conesville area, moving there from the City in the early 1940’s thinking it would be easier to live in the country during WWII. So much for anything being easy during WWII. She read Laurel Van Aken’s name in The Scoop and thought there might be a family connection but it was not direct enough to pursue. When young, Mrs. Tompkins said she had to wear her hair in braids because her father did not want his daughters’ hair to be cut. Lots of stories out there. Does anyone recognize her name? Maybe Dottie Pickett has it in the list of Gilboa Conesville alumni.

Auxiliary members from American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327, Prattsville, and American Legion Auxiliary Susquehanna Unit 1764, Conesville, joined for a luncheon at the Prattsville Tavern on Wednesday, the 5th, for laughter and good food. Those joining in were Geri Barry, Marianne Krauss, Pat Coleman, Shelly Brainard, Linda Kessler, Cathy Martino, Lori Gustin, Lana Breigle, Mary Cline, Anita Creazzo, Pat Bifolco and Ginny Gurley. The two Units have become close friends and enjoy each others company with conversation and the exchanging of ideas and, of course, laughter. Veteran in your immediate family?, you are welcome to join either Unit with application qualification.

Discover Life Church Food Pantry is held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4-6 pm. They would like to say Thank you to Jim Eisel at the Great American for letting the Food Pantry have a non-perishable food donation box in the store. Also thank you to everyone who volunteers or gives monetary or non-perishable food donations.

Speaking of Food Pantries, on Sunday TV news there was a notice that the Red Cross of the Capital region was sponsoring an event for the benefit of veterans in our areas for supplying the Voluntary Services of Stratton VAMC who supplies food to our needy veterans. We reiterate Kathy Schmeidel’s thank you to all who help locally those in need and/or veterans every where. Thank you and keep up the good work.

There will be a town wide yard sale in Conesville on the 3rd of August, Saturday. Not only will there be the yard sales but there will be bake sales, crafts, lunches, etc. etc. Plan on making a day of it because the yard sale route takes in quite a few miles but it is always a fun day. See you there. Will keep you up-to-date on upcoming yard sales in our vicinity. Lula Anderson on Route 23 Ashland will be having a July 4th yard sale. Know she has lots of stuff, mostly bargains, so check that yard sale out.

What The Soap, originating in Prattsville a number of years ago, is no longer a store but strictly online. Go to their website, What.The.Soap for an update on all items available from their bounty. Many from out of town really looked forward to their store when it was in Prattsville but can now check out buying their favorite scented beauty products online. Good luck Matt and Melissa.

Happy Birthday on June 15 to Lacey Brand, do not have her married name. On June 16 it is Happy Birthday to Gerald Mark Mead. We wish Sandy Traver and Alan Huggins Happy Birthday on June 18. Donnie Speenburgh is wished a Happy Birthday on June 20. On June 21 it is Happy Birthday to Al Creazzo. On June 16 we wish Janelle and Ken Maurer a Happy Anniversary.

Share your good news with all – send to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.

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