Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

In case you were under a rock or in the Bahama’s, it’s been cold. It could be that I am getting older although I have come to the conclusion that no, it’s been cold.  

I would like to share some information to all the veterans that may not have received the news regarding the new veteran compensation rates.

The 2025 veterans’ disability rates are in…starting January 1, 2025, all compensation benefit rates have increased by 2.5% to match adjustments made to Social Security benefits.

This increase impacts disability benefits, clothing allowance, dependency and indemnity compensation as well as other VA assistance programs.

So much work is being done by the VFW Washington D.C. office to make sure that veterans are not overlooked. Last week I spoke regarding the fact that all veterans’ organizations need members to increase which brings much needed power by numbers. 

This past week Jayson Gardenier and I met with the district inspector who checked our records to make sure we are complying with the National By-Laws of the VFW.

The inspector from the Department of NY VFW happens to be the next State Commander and he is also a Vietnam veteran.

His name is Jim MacArthur, and he is from Hillsdale, NY. He was the District Commander 2 years prior to my terms in office as District Commander. 

I bring this up to show that the leadership in the VFW from National to the Post level are predominantly Vietnam era veterans.

These Vietnam veterans are all getting older (70s to 80s) and still working for veterans. You do not have to be an old veteran to be an advocate for veterans’ rights. 

Many do not know that commanders at all levels in the VFW do not get a salary. The State Commander in NY gets an allowance for expenses and a car to use as he travels the State from NYC to Buffalo.

He does this job for his comrades that he served with. Think what would happen after us Vietnam veterans are gone, who will continue this work?

Our Post has fortunately had some youth move into help with continuing moving our Post forward.

I fondly remember the WWll and Korean veterans that showed the way for us Vietnam vets to continue. They helped show the way for us. What a great bunch of men and women.

MIA update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that U.S. Army Pvt. 1st Class Arthur W. Crossland Jr, 19, of Columbia, South Carolina, killed during World War II, was accounted for Aug. 21, 2024

Crossland’s family recently received their full briefing on his identification, therefore, additional details on his identification can be shared.

In March 1945, Crossland was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 242nd Infantry Regiment, 42nd Infantry Division in the European Theater during World War II. Shortly before midnight on New Year’s Eve 1944, German forces launched a major offensive operation in the Vosges Mountains in Alsace-Lorraine, France, known as Operation NORDWIND. The German attack surged through Allied defenses along the Franco-German border, and the ensuing battle enveloped two U.S. Corps along a 40-mile-wide front. In the following few weeks, Company L was assigned to move online near Althorn, France. Intense fighting ensued in the heavily wooded terrain filled with minefields, and mortars and machine gun fire halted Company L’s advance. Witnesses stated seeing Crossland trigger a mine roughly 200 yards in front of the main resistance line. He was killed instantly, but U.S. forces had to withdraw before they could recover his body.

To identify Crossland’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological and other circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA (Y-STR) analysis. Crossland’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Epinal American Cemetery in Dinozé, France, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. Crossland will be buried March 14, 2025, in his hometown.

God Bless America and keep all those who served our country and who are now serving in your thoughts and prayer.

Marc Farmilette 

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY - Democrat Invited to the Dance

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - A message of unity has been sent even as the political boat was rocked with the naming of a Democrat to chair a committee on the Republican dominated Greene County Legislature.

Legislature chairman Patrick Linger has selected Daryl Legg (District 7, Hunter, Lexington, Halcott) to head up the Economic Development & Tourism committee. (Please see related story in “Legislature Stuff”).

The surprise selection came at the board’s annual reorganization meeting, on Tuesday night, when all 14 lawmakers were sworn-in for three-year terms following the November, 2024, election.

Legg, the former Hunter town supervisor, has quickly carved his niche in Catskill, initially taking office in 2022 and gaining a reputation as a lawmaker not hesitant to speak up and stand behind his words.

While it is almost unheard-of for a Democrat to be put into a power position, with 11 Republicans and one Conservative to choose from, along with just two Democrats, ”it’s time to try something different,” Linger said.

“Hopefully I don’t get run out of town,” Linger said, sort of tongue-in-cheek. “My feeling is the biggest issue in politics is division. This is something good for the residents of our county to see.

“More to the point, Daryl does a good job representing his district and at the same time understands we represent not just our particular districts.

“We represent the whole county. It’s okay for this board and its chairman to recognize there is a right place and a right time for this,” Linger said.

Two world-renowned ski slopes and county economic engines are located on the mountaintop, a valid reason to go with Legg.

And it might not hurt that Legg was strongly supported by State Senator Michelle Hinchey in his bid for re-election, in November.

The Senator literally went door-to-door with Legg during his campaign, possibly turning an unexpectedly close race in his favor.

Hinchey has shown political Party blindness, channeling grant funds thru her office to the county, a trend county officials hope keeps happening. 

The Senator also inserted and asserted herself in the recent machinations of choosing a legislature chairman, letting local Democrats know her sentiments on the matter, sentiments also not lost on Republicans.

Linger reportedly revealed his choices to Majority Leader Matthew Luvera and Minority Leader Harry Lennon in late December with mixed GOP reviews, though any dissent was voiced only behind closed doors. 

Linger, Luvera and Lennon have input on all committees. Legg steps in for Linda Overbaugh (District 1, Catskill) who did not seek re-election.

Legg was also appointed by Linger to the board of directors for the Greene County Economic Development Corporation, an annual process.

The designation of a Democrat as a committee head is not mind boggling but it does show an evolution of the county legislature which, since its inception nearly a half-century ago, has been ruled by the GOP.

There was a time when seeing the name of a Democrat as either offering or seconding a resolution was rarer than a real Sasquatch sighting. The minority Party was kept that much out of the loop.

Legg’s appointment is not the only attention-grabber including a shakeup within the GOP where James Thorington (District 6, Prattsville, Ashland, Windham, Jewett) was named chair for the Public Safety committee, replacing Thomas Hobart.

Thorington had been in charge of the Public Works committee. The change by Linger comes after Hobart (District 2, Athens) caused more than a few lawmakers to wiggle uncomfortably in their chairs a year ago.

Hobart, intentionally or not, bypassed the rest of his committee members and the full board by attempting, in his role as committee chair, to kill a resolution related to moving forward on building a new Justice Center.

A wing is being added to the existing county courthouse in Catskill. Hobart said his action was based on not having enough information to make a proper decision on the multi-million dollar project.

Linger and others pointed out that detailed discussions on the Center had been ongoing for eighteen months. Questions were also raised on the propriety of yanking the resolution, which ultimately passed.

It was widely speculated Hobart was cajoled into blocking the measure by a small contingent of opponents to the job led by lawmaker Michael Bulich (District 1, Catskill) and Luvera (also based in Catskill).

Whether that is the motivating factor behind his demotion or not, Hobart still has a seat on Public Safety and three additional committees, including the powerful Government Operations group.

Linger further stretched the envelope by tabbing James O’Connell (District 3, Athens) to step in for Thorington as Public Works chairman.

O’Connell is a legislative newbie, winning election in November, but, “has showed initiative, coming to all of our meetings since last August, asking the right questions, wanting to be on top of things,” Linger says.

One final switch is putting Sherry True (District 8, Cairo) in charge of the County Services committee, replacing Edward Bloomer who is not returning, losing a GOP primary to O’Connell this past summer.

The remaining leadership is the same although there is strategic movement within each committee membership, most noticeably on the two most influential panels, Finance and Government Operations.

Linger, who recently won a third-term as chairman, put to good use the life experiences of another newcomer, appointing Michael Lanuto (District 1, Catskill) to four committees.

Launuto, making his living in the fiscal trade, will be part of the influential Finance committee, again chaired by 87-year old Charles Martinez.

Linger, referring to the chairmanship maneuvers said, “this is a leap of faith but a thought-out leap of faith,” noting all committee appointments are for only one-year in what is the first year of a three-year legislative term.

Legg is not the only Democrat to hold a chairmanship. His predecessor in District 7, Larry Gardner, was named to head what is now the County Services committee by the late chairman Wayne Speenburgh.

It didn’t hold the same drama, however. Gardner was in office for four decades and held in high regard on both sides of the aisle. 

Gardner held the spot for several terms before willingly acquiescing to then-GOP newcomer Bloomer at the start of Linger’s chairmanship.

And ex-lawmaker Aidan O’Connor was picked to lead the Health Services committee by former chair Kevin Lewis, a very practical move.

O’Connor is a veteran helicopter paramedic and was a member of a special State Task Force on the future of ambulance services.

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Main Street Center Fundraiser

Along the Kaaterskill Rail Trail,” a drawing in soft pastels from Pete Preston.

Karen F. Rhodes captures “Looking Across to Onteora Mountain” in a watercolor work.

Main Street Community Center and director Sadhbh Lavery (standing, right) are hosting a “Fine Art Fundraiser and Auction” on February 8, helping support year-long programming including the Art Odyssey workshop for elementary school students from Windham-Ashland-Jewett. A fundraiser cocktail hour with a plethora of hors d’oeuvres commences at 5 p.m. followed by the auction. 

“Roaring Kill Creek,” an oil on canvas by Athena Billias.

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - A visit to the Main Street Community Center in Windham on almost any Monday afternoon shows far better than words one of the reasons for their upcoming February 8 “Fine Art Fundraiser.”

Right around 3 p.m., kids in Pre-K to 4th grade pour out of a Windham-Ashland-Jewett school bus for the regular Art Odyssey class, happily removing winter coats to learn in a warm, well-lighted place.

Donations mostly that program and many others possible as the non-profit Center is entering its fifth successful year, continuing to leave an indelible mark on the lives of children, adults and families.

“This is my first auction,” says Center executive director Sadhbh Lavery, readying for the charitable evening that begins at 5 p.m. with an hors d’oeuvres cocktail hour, followed at 6 p.m. by an art auction.

“It takes many hands to make this work. Our board of directors thought of this event. We have an amazing group of volunteers that formed the fundraising committee and are bringing it together,” Lavery says.

“To me, the most encouraging part about this is that we are seeing the need we are filling in the community. We are filling a real niche.

“That is happening because of how adaptable we are, with so many people coming in here all the time, letting us know what fits them, and we can go with the flow from there,” Lavery says.

The fundraiser is open to all artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, etc., and has a January 19 deadline for submission.

“We have a wonderful network of artists participating. Quite a few are from the Windham Arts Alliance and others are independent,” Lavery says.

Anthony Petsky from Lincoln Auctions will be leading the bidding battle which will be friendly and hopefully very profitable.

“We are absolutely testing the waters. We aren’t sure how this will turn out. Would it be fabulous to make $25,000?” Lavery says, smiling.

“Yes, it would be, but we will be absolutely appreciative for whatever we can raise. Every penny counts in the world of non-profits.

“The most important thing is being able to keep showcasing the community. Our thinking is, ‘Let’s do something exciting and different. Let’s kick off year-five strong!’” Lavery says. 

Monday afternoons from 3 to 4 p.m. are not the only hours the Main Street Community Center is buzzing, operating 6 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays).

“The Center offers a wide variety of programs designed to enrich the lives of community members from toddlers to seniors,” their Winter Brochure states.

“By providing a safe, reliable and welcoming place for the community to gather, the Center fosters a sense of belonging and promotes overall well-being,” the brochure states.

The Center, beyond community unity, offers social connection, personal development, support and resources and lifelong learning.

Some of the youth programs include “Science Frontiers; Discovering the World Around Us,” “Robotics Explorers: Build, Code, Achieve” and “Teen Art for a Change: Positive Stencil Painting.”

Adult and family programs feature “Author Talks” (meeting real life writers and hearing their stories), “Basic Conversational Spanish” and “Pierogi Party: A Taste of the Ukraine,” a hands-on cooking class.

Tickets for the Fine Arts Fundraiser are $100 in advance, $125 at the door. “Your support helps us make magic happen,” Lavery says, noting, “every dollar raised from this event will go directly toward maintaining and expanding the Center’s programs.”

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Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

We extend deepest sympathy to wife Margaret and the family and friends of Gerald Lawrence who passed away last week.

Art Rood has passed away.  Deepest sympathy and condolences to wife Joyce, all the family and friends.

Carol and Alden (Skeet) Constable, Annie and Wayne Thompson had a delicious dinner at the Phoenician on New Year’s Eve.  Then they all enjoyed their annual tradition of playing a card game at Carol and Skeet’s home.  

Saturday, Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to noon, is another Micro Sunday School, talking about the real story of the Three Kings, at the Lexington/West Kill UMC, 54 County Route 13A, Lexington.  All children welcome.  Call Susan at 518-429-8054 if you would like more information.

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 10:30 a.m.  is the monthly Coffee Klatch at the Hunter Public Library, 7965 Main Street, Hunter, with light refreshments.

The Soup and Fellowship Kitchen is Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Blue Room at the Kaaterskill UMC, 5942 Main Street, Tannersville.  Everyone is welcome to enjoy a free bowl of soup and sandwich and fellowship.

There is no Town of Lexington Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary meeting in January.  

Adam Cross celebrates his birthday on Jan. 9.

Happy birthday on Friday, Jan. 10 to Nancy Bower.

Happy birthday to Mary Palazzolo on Sunday, Jan. 12.

Also celebrating a birthday on Jan. 12 is Diane Cross.

Monday, Jan. 13 is RoseAnn West’s birthday.

Maurice “Moe” Nelson’s birthday is Tuesday, Jan. 14.

Reporter extraordinaire Mike Ryan’s celebrates his birthday on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Happy birthday to Jannel Mellott on Jan. 16.

Best wishes to everyone.

The Greene County Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of Jan. 13 – Jan. 17 is as follows:  Monday—Beef chili, broccoli, brown rice, fruit cocktail; Tuesday—Lemon pepper fish, green beans, rice pilaf, peaches; Wednesday—Meatball sub, Italian mixed vegetables, Italian pasta salad, chocolate cake; Thursday—Meatloaf with gravy, mixed vegetables, baked potato, cookies; Friday—Stuffed peppers, California vegetable mix, white rice, fresh fruit.  All persons over the age of 60, can receive a meal.  Suggested donation for each meal is $4.  Those wishing to receive a meal are required to call 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.

The Advisory Council to the Greene County Department for the Aging (Human Services) announces that nominations are being accepted for the annual Greene County Senior Citizen Awards.  The two awards, presented annually, are Senior Citizen of the Year and Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.  The purpose of the awards is to recognize the outstanding contributions and achievements of senior citizens who have volunteered their time and energy to help other people, their communities, and/or special projects.  The dedication of these volunteers help to make Greene County a better place for all of us.  The individuals chosen on the county level will then represent Greene County for recognition for New York State awards.

Any Greene County resident, age 60 or older, can be nominated for these awards.  Achievements must be voluntary in nature, performed in Greene County and not part of paid employment.  Past award winners may be nominated only if seven or more years have passed since last recognized.

If you know someone who deserves this recognition, contact the Greene County Department of Human Services at 518-719-3555 for an official nomination form.  Incomplete forms will not be considered as eligible.  Any inquires for further information may also be directed to the department.  Deadline for entries is Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

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.

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LEGISLATURE STUFF - Order in the House

Greene County Legislature held its annual reorganization meeting, this week, making necessary government appointments and designations. Among those on hand were (left to right), legislature chairman Patrick Linger, Majority Leader Matthew Luvera, Minority Leader Harry Lennon and newly elected lawmakers Michael Lanuto (District 1, Catskill) and James O’Connell (District 3, Athens)

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - Swearing-in ceremonies were held for the 14 members of the Greene County Legislature, Tuesday night, including two newly-elected  lawmakers and a Democrat in an unaccustomed position of power.

Taking the Oath of Office every three years is a fairly routine matter with each member echoing the same words spoken by county clerk Marilyn Farrell, vowing allegiance to the Constitutions of the United States of America and New York State.

It is also a solemn event. Representatives of the Republican, Democratic and Conservative parties take their promise seriously.

The evening was marked by an historic moment as Daryl Legg was picked by legislature chairman Patrick Linger to serve as chairman of the Economic Development and Tourism committee.

Legg is only the third Democrat in the half-century-long existence of the GOP-controlled legislature to be placed in that role (Please see related story in our “Better than Hearsay” column).

While aware of the GOP legacy, Legg essentially Ignored the distinction following the official announcement after week-long rumors.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be chosen to be the chair for Economic Development and Tourism,” Legg said

“I am very grateful chairman Linger has the faith in me to fulfill the duties of this important committee. I hope it has to do with my ability to do the job. Party doesn’t really matter here,” Legg said.

Legislative Majority Leader Matthew Luvera, asked for his thoughts on the appointment, similarly passed over any partisanship.

“My only thought is this is the [legislature] chairman’s decision. I support his decision. I wish Daryl well leading Economic Development and Tourism. If he does well, we all do well,” Luvera said.

Legislative Minority Leader Harry Lennon, likewise without referring to Party affiliation said, “I’m very proud to have Daryl Legg appointed as chairman of Economic Development and Tourism.

“It is a very important position for Greene County and for the mountaintop,” Lennon said. Legg represents District 7 (Hunter, Lexington, Halcott), the home of one of two internationally-known ski slopes.

Both are significant financial drivers for the county. “Daryl will do a great job representing all of Greene County and I am looking forward to a lot of great accomplishments in this next term of the county legislature,” Lenonn said.

The meeting room was packed with family members taking part in the Oath of Office and Linger, closing the session, said, “The fourteen members you have just sworn-in will be spending a whole lot of time in this building, sometimes more than they bargained for.

“We will be discussing many issues, some we agree on, some we disagree on, and we all know families have to listen to it. We thank them.

“Even if we are not in agreement, at the end of day I hope we go home as friends. We don’t need to be as divided as this country is now. We are about to do some really good things.” Linger said.

“Buckle up. We’ll get through it. It is important to remember, we are policy makers. We don’t deal in operations which fall to [county administrator Shaun Groden] and county department heads,” Linger said.

Legg’s first meeting as committee chair is slated for Monday night, January 13, as part of a series of committee sessions.

The members of the Greene County Legislature for the 3-year term, from January 1, 2025, to the end of December, 2027, are as follows (11 Republicans, one Conservative and two Democrats):

DISTRICT 1, CATSKILL (Matthew Luvera/Majority Leader, Michael Bulich Jay Lucas and Michael Lanuto).

DISTRICT 2, COXSACKIE (Charles Martinez and Thomas Hobart). DISTRICT 3, ATHENS (James O’Connell).

DISTRICT 4, GREENVILLE (Greg Davis, Parliamentarian). 

DISTRICT 5, NEW BALTIMORE (Patrick Linger/legislature chairman).

DISTRICT 6, ASHLAND, JEWETT, PRATTSVILLE, WINDHAM (James Thorington). 

DISTRICT 7, HUNTER, LEXINGTON, HALCOTT (Daryl Legg). 

DISTRICT 8, CAIRO (Harry Lennon/Minority Leader) and Sherry True. DISTRICT 9, DURHAM (Patty Handel).

The legislature committees for the one-year term, 2025, are as follows (chairperson listed first):

County Resources (Michael Bulich, James Thorington, Sherry True, Jay Lucas and Thomas Hobart). 

County Services (Sherry True, Patty Handel, Daryl Legg, James O’Connell, Michael Lanuto and Jay Lucas).

Economic Development & Tourism (Daryl Legg, Patty Handel, Sherry True, James Thorington, Michael Bulich and Michael Lanuto).

Finance (Charles Martinez, Greg Davis, Daryl Legg, Michael Bulich, Sherry True and Michael Lanuto).

Government Operations (Greg Davis, Charles Martinez, James O’Connell, Thomas Hobart, Jay Lucas and Daryl Legg).

Health Services (Patty Handel, Greg Davis, Sherry True, Thomas Hobart, James O’Connell, and Michael Lanuto). 

Public Safety (James Thorington, Charles Martinez, Patty Handel, Greg Davis, Michael Lanuto and Thomas Hobart).

Public Works (James O’Connell, James Thorington, Charles Martinez, Michael Bulich, Patty Handel and Daryl Legg).

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Ventriloquist Brings Puppet to Life

Rare is the moment when the lips of “Donnie” aren’t moving - or being moved by his ventriloquist companion Ruth Welch who grew up in the hamlet of Maplecrest.

The ventriloquist, Ruthie Welch, and her dad, Gilbert Vining from the Big Hollow Vinings, a family among the town of Windham’s early settlers.

By Michael Ryan

MAPLECREST - It is more than possible to believe in the imaginary - in fact it is impossible not to for Ruthie Welch, a virtually lifelong ventriloquist.

Welch recently performed her act with sidekick “Donnie” at the Mountaintop Extravaganza in Windham, hosted by the Living Faith Community Church.

Everyone could see, watching Ruth walk on stage, that if that thing she was carrying was human, it was certainly quite flexible, folded into the shape of a fluffy pillow, legs and arms flopping every which way.

And his face, when seated upright, was stuck in the same staring-straight-ahead expression, a bit creepy at first, almost as if made of stone.

None of that mattered when Donnie began talking the hind legs off a donkey as Welch enchantingly brought him to life.

He was real, all right. and Welch barely remembers a time she wasn’t making inanimate objects seemingly become living, breathing souls. 

In her hands it is hard to tell the difference. “I’’ll never forget this one elderly woman at one of my shows at summer camp,” Welch says, smiling.

“She said to me afterwards, ‘Isn’t that doll something. It says anything you want it to say,” Welch says - or was it Donnie saying it?

It makes no never mind. The two of them have been indistinguishable since before Donnie was even born from wood, plaster of Paris, glue and strings.

“I got my first puppet for Christmas when I was a kid,” Welch says, growing up as a Vining, one of the deepest set families in town, dating back generations in the outlying Big Hollow region of Windham.

She lived next door to the Living Faith Community Church in Maplecrest, a faithful member of the congregation, a spiritual connection still intact.

Welch, a 1977 Windham-Ashland-Jewett graduate, now lives in Coxsackie, returning to her roots in late December to entertain at the Extravaganza, held at the Centre Church in downtown Windham.

The appreciative audience applause following her routine could be heard out on Main Street, weaving Bible-themed stories with humorous and innocent observations from the chatterbox on her knee.

Remembering back to that childhood Christmas morning. Welch says, “I practiced all day in front of a mirror and put on a show that night for my parents and grandparents.”

Throwing her voice has been a non-stop delight ever since, getting a job in the salad room in her early teens at the old Sugar Maples Resort, a short walk from her house, to buy materials to learn the ancient verbal art.

Welch studied records and took lessons from the teacher (who happened to be in the area) of Shari Lewis, the beloved creator of Lamb Chop.

Legendary Edgar Bergen, the “father” of puppets Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd, was an idol even as Welch carved her own path.

“I did oral history reports in school. My teacher, Sheldon Peck, loved them,” she says, gradually focusing on the Source of all sources. 

“My parents took me to churches all over the area. I was always oriented toward Biblical stories. I thought I might as well give Him credit. He gave me the talent to do this,” Welch says.

It makes perfect sense. Ventriloquism, in the beginning, was a religious practice, based in the concept of “speaking from the stomach,” noises purportedly emanating from the mouths of the unliving.

The guttural utterances were interpreted by the ventriloquist as speaking to the dead, foretelling the future.

Be that as it may, sharing the holy message is pay enough for Welch, earning a living over the years as an Emergency Room nurse, now specializing in Quality Improvement. 

Her spare time is spent with her 91-year-old dad, Gilbert, and with Donnie, recently introducing the blatherer to her grandchildren.

“They didn’t know I did this until I showed them a picture of me and Donnie,” Welch says, “We sang Jingle Bells for them.

“They freaked out and then, of course, they all tried to be ventriloquists. It was adorable. To do this, you have to become a believer. 

“When you are performing, you have to give off the vibe Donnie is real. It sounds crazy, but you have to believe you are talking to a real person.”

Who would ever suggest you weren’t?

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