THE CATSKILL GEOLOGISTS BY ROBERT AND JOHANNA TITUS - A Forest Fire Threat? Right Here?

The memories of those awful California forest fires are still fresh. It’s so important to learn from such misfortunes, and that includes those of us in the Catskills. Did you watch the news from California and wonder if it could happen here? We sure did. But the Catskills are not Los Angeles; the hazards have long been a lot less here. Why is that? There are several reasons. For starters, we just don’t see many forest fires in our region. It’s too rainy here for that. The two of us cannot remember seeing even one of them these past 45 years. California has witnessed a serious multiyear drought, far, far worse than our recent dry spell. Southern California has those peculiar Santa Ana winds, and we do not. Then too, California has seen an influx of people crowding into heavily forested landscapes. Large expensive homes have been built in what had been almost wilderness woodlands. Critically the woods were left as natural as possible in between all those new homes. That includes an understory that includes a forest debris of dry twigs, branches and of course abundant leaves. There is much less of this sort of development here. But here we have turned much of our wilderness into the Catskill Preserve – back in the 19th century. 

So, when you add it all up, the danger of devastating forest fires is just so much less here. But, still, you can never say never; it could happen. It’s been dry lately and the threat has risen. We need to think about that – we need to be ready. If you live in an apartment in the middle of Stamford, Windham or Catskill then there is no immediate threat. But if your home is on 15 acres of forest anywhere throughout our region, then there are real concerns. That describes our home, so we went out and looked around. It was a real eye-opener. See our first photo. There was all that dry forest debris. It’s called “ladder fuel.” When it’s on fire, its flames climb up the dry drought-stricken trunks and spread into the forest canopy. That’s a real forest fire!

The professionals deal with this with the purposeful starting of “prescribed fires.” They burn away all that debris and remove the threat. But they have the expert and experienced staff needed to do this sort of thing. We don’t. But the other problem is that these fires require government approval and that takes three to seven years. (Somebody once said, “government is the problem,” didn’t they?) So, we are not going to ask for help. We have set about physically removing as much of this debris as possible. See our second photo. It might take us three to seven years to finish the job, but we are determined to lessen our fears of seeing our property burn to the ground. Do you live in the woods? Then you might go out, look around and think about all this. Have we done this correctly? We don’t know. If you have some better ideas let us know on our facebook page.

Contact the authors at randjtitus@prodigy.net. Join their facebook page at “The Catskill Geologist.” Read their blogs at “thecatskillgeologist.com.”

                                   

 

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Whittling Away with Dick Brooks - Heroes

I was watching television last week when a catch phrase uttered by someone I didn’t recognize stuck in my head.  As I said I was watching the box, I wasn’t listening to it so I missed the person’s name.  The aforementioned phrase was “The world needs more heroes”.  The conversation was centered around some athlete who had tarnished his image by using some kind of performance enhancing drug.  I’m not sure that his ability to whack a ball or puck or whatever it was that he did would have qualified him for inclusion on my personal list of heroes.  My hero list dates way back to early childhood and I keep adding to it frequently.  It’s pretty long by now and notable for its diversity.  It includes the names of some famous people:  Ben Franklin, Abe Lincoln, Charles Lindberg, John Wayne, Mister Rogers, Mickey Mantle etc.  Everybody knows them but there are a lot of the heroes on my list that I don’t even know their names, any volunteer fireman or woman, any member of any police force, any member of our armed forces, the folks working food pantries and driving Meals on Wheels to shut ins, nurses, ministers/rabbis/priests, teachers—all those who truly serve their fellow man, these are also heroes.  

So, the problem isn’t that we need more heroes, the problem is how to recognize the heroes that we have.  Back near the start of time when I was young, it was easy to recognize heroes.  They dressed funny.  They all had their

own special costumes.  Superman, Batman, Captain America, Under Dog, Wonder Woman, were not to be confused with your run of the mill hero.  Their costumes set them apart.  It’s a trend that I think should be brought back.  I’ve always considered myself heroic in a mild mannered way.  Maybe, I pondered, if I could come up with a good costume, I could help bring back the uniformed hero.  First, I’d need a cool name.  I thought about, The Silver Fox, but dismissed that.  I’m not really silver on top, more flesh colored and fox implies an amount of cunning that I’m not sure I possess.  I finally settled on “Super Senior”, simple and to the point.  Next the uniform, I considered starting with a pair of The Queen’s black panty hose but then I remembered how hard it was just getting my socks on in the morning and quickly dismissed the idea.  I needed something that went with the whole senior theme.  Searching the back of my closet I came up with the perfect thing, I found a pair of plaid polyester bell bottoms with a white belt.  Near it was a nylon Hawaiian shirt covered with bright festive flowers.  I needed a cape so I tied the arms of my Snuggie around my neck, perfect!  The only mask I could find was a Sponge Bob Square Pants one left from Halloween, that didn’t make the fashion statement that I wanted to make.  I found a pair of the really dark sunglasses the Doctor had given me to wear after my cataract surgery, you know the kind, the ones that look like welding goggles, they looked great. 

I slipped on my orthopedic sneakers with the Velcro fasteners and decided my outfit was complete.  At the last minute I added my “Darn Seagulls” baseball cap to hide my distinctive hairless pate and I was off to right the wrongs of the world.  I took off the Snuggie cape because I kept sitting on it and chocking myself.  I headed to the Senior Center to see what my peers thought about their own super hero.  The first three guys I saw when I got there were dressed pretty much like I was and they weren’t trying to be super heroes.  I went home to consult with Telly, my trusty canine companion and fashion consultant, about possible changes to my outfit.  He told me that I was his hero no matter how I dressed.  I guess that’s enough for me.  We took a little nap, it had been a busy day.

Thought for the week—We never really grow up; we just learn how to act in public.

Until next week, may you and yours be happy and well.

whittle12124@yahoo.com          

 

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Local History - Cobleskill 100 Years Ago

By Wildert Marte

We continue our series of local history from the pages of the Cobleskill Index by our student intern Wildert Marte.

COBLESKILL — When I was researching what life was like in Cobleskill 100 years ago, I was surprised by how much has changed, yet some things still feel familiar. In 1925, Cobleskill was a small but growing town where agriculture, small businesses, and strong community ties shaped everyday life. People relied on local farms and shops, and social gatherings were central to how the town functioned. Reading through The Cobleskill Index gave me insight into what life was really like back then.

One of the first things that stood out to me was how engaged people were in local elections. Unlike today, where voter turnout is inconsistent, elections in Cobleskill were a major event. Even if most candidates ran unopposed, people took the process seriously. It was more than just voting—it was a way to ensure the town remained strong and prosperous​. Social gatherings were another major part of life. The Masonic Club was a hub for entertainment, regularly hosting plays and community events. In 1925, they were preparing to perform Kathleen, a musical comedy that brought people together. Entertainment wasn’t something you just watched—it was something you participated in​. Churches played a significant role in social life. Sunday schools were well-attended, and churches frequently held charity events to support struggling families. At the State School, student organizations like Pi Phi and Theta Gamma hosted discussions and performances, giving people a sense of belonging​.

Cobleskill’s economy revolved around small businesses and farming. General stores, tailor shops, and blacksmiths provided everything residents needed. In 1925, a blacksmith shop announced its relocation, showing how even traditional businesses had to adapt​. Farming was the backbone of the local economy. Livestock and equipment auctions were common, where farmers traded cattle, tools, and supplies. The Sheffield Milk Plant was one of the largest employers, reinforcing the town’s strong dairy industry. Unlike today, where grocery stores sell food from all over the country, people in 1925 relied on fresh, locally grown food​. Transportation was evolving as well. A new bus line between Cobleskill and Cooperstown made travel easier, though many people still relied on horse-drawn wagons. At the same time, debates over water meters led to controversy, as some residents resisted paying for what had previously been free​.

Life in Cobleskill wasn’t always easy. One of the most tragic events of 1925 was the death of Andrew Wilson, a local farmer who suffered a heart attack while tending to his horses. His death was a reminder of how physically demanding farm life was​. Farmers also faced the threat of bovine tuberculosis, which endangered livestock and livelihoods. The state debated cutting funding for disease control, causing concern among local farmers who relied on healthy cattle to survive​. Another sign of change was the closure of long-standing businesses. Several shops placed farewell advertisements in The Cobleskill Index, as families moved elsewhere for better opportunities. While Cobleskill was growing, it was also losing some of its old character​.

Schools were expanding, and teachers signed new contracts for the upcoming school year. The State School played an essential role in training students for careers in teaching, business, and farming​. Women were also making strides. The newspaper featured female attorneys and educators, showing that women were beginning to take on more professional roles. Though there was still a long way to go, it was a sign that change was happening​.

The local theater was a major part of life, showing newsreels and films. In 1925, the town was excited about a movie featuring Alton Parker Blodgett, a Cobleskill native training with the Yankees. Seeing a hometown athlete on screen was a proud moment for the town​. Music and performing arts also thrived. Fraternities at the State School hosted live music, storytelling nights, and theatrical performances, bringing people together. High school basketball games were also popular, with large crowds coming out to support their teams​.

Researching Cobleskill 100 years ago gave me a new appreciation for how much has changed and how much has stayed the same. The town was built on hard work, community, and resilience—values that still define it today. The biggest difference is how much we rely on technology now. In 1925, people depended on local businesses, personal connections, and community events. While modern life is more convenient, I wonder if we’ve lost some of the close-knit relationships that made small towns like Cobleskill special. Even with all the changes, Cobleskill’s heart remains strong. It’s still a place where history matters, where community comes first, and where progress continues—just as it did a century ago.

 

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The Roxbury Arts Group Presents: Word Box

STAMFORD — Roxbury Arts Group announces a new series of monthly open mic events at the Headwaters Arts Center that is intended to be a creative hub for anyone who is honing their work through the art of spoken word.  The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday March 20 from 6-8pm at the Headwaters Arts Center, located at 66 Main Street in Stamford. This event is free and information about this and all programs offered by Roxbury Arts Group is available by calling 607.214.6040 or visiting our website roxburyartsgroup.org.

This series of free open mic events is open to wordsmiths of all experience levels and working within any genre and does not require prior registration.  From rap to poetry, essays or short stories, comedy, autobiographical, all approaches are welcome. If writing and speaking is your creative jam- this space is designed for you to develop your skills, performance practice, build community and find feedback and support for your work.  

This event is sponsored by Margaretville Telephone Company. All programs offered by the Roxbury Arts Group are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature, the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation, the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation, The Community Foundation for South Central New York, the Tianaderrah Foundation, The Delaware National Bank of Delhi, and individual supporters.

For more information about these and all programs offered at the Headwaters Arts Center, located at 66 Main Street in Stamford, visit roxburyartsgroup.org or call 607.214.6040.

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The Roxbury Arts Group Presents: Puzzle Week - A Wintertide Event

ROXBURY — The Roxbury Arts group is offering something different this week as part of their Wintertide Series of events that encourage the community to brave the winter weather to engage in creative community based activities. Tables will be set up in our gallery with a variety of puzzles, community members are encouraged to drop by during business hours and spend some time puzzling and enjoy warm drinks and snacks.  This event is free and open to all Tuesday March 11 thru Saturday March 16, 2025, 10a to 3p at the Roxbury Arts Center 5025 Vega Mountain Road, Roxbury. Information about this and all programs offered by Roxbury Arts Group is available by calling 607.326.7908 or visiting roxburyartsgroup.org.

Puzzles are a wonderful way to pass the time; they engage our brains in stimulating cognitive activities, improve problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and can even induce a meditative state, promoting relaxation and a sense of accomplishment. Activities that encourage positive engagement and relaxation can promote mental health in what many are finding a puzzling time.  

All programs offered by the Roxbury Arts Group are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature, the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation, the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation, The Community Foundation for South Central New York, the Tianaderrah Foundation, The Delaware National Bank of Delhi, and individual supporters.

For more information about these and all programs offered at the Roxbury Arts Group at their various locations please visit roxburyartsgroup.org or call 607.214.6040.

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Traditionally speaking…by Pat Larsen - Sleep Shopping...it's a Thing, Ya Know

No one will contest that this was a long, cold, miserable winter. Between the layers of ice covering every inch of our pathways to slipping and sliding down the roads when the snow fell just enough to hide the perils that were lurking beneath the unmelted roadways.

If you were lucky enough to have made it through in an upright position for the most part, I’m sure you quickly became as fed up as most of us were by the frigid temps and the perilous wind that found every crevice in our homes.

It seemed that the sky had been drained of all manner of color by succumbing to a depth of gray that just turned down the corners of the mouth…every day.

But alas, I happened to have found my way through to a solution that now has become my favorite means of shopping.

Sleep Shopping is definitely a thing, ya know. Or so I thought.

It started innocently enough with waking up just after midnight, wide eyed and completely not needing the confines of my bed any longer. 

Typically, my go to outlet is my phone/tablet to check out what had happened since I fell asleep maybe three hours earlier.

Don’t judge. Just go with it.

Then, quite surprisingly as my curiosity peaked, I found myself beginning to scroll through some of the shopping sites that I would typically view during the daylight hours.

There it was. My Amazon shopping cart practically begging for me to hit “send!” 

I started to look through my potential purchases. I corrected one or two items that I no longer had interest in and then

I even started to read the reviews for the items that I wanted to purchase. Time was on my side and I wasn’t the least bit tired, after all, so I carried on and shopped to my hearts content for quite awhile.  I appreciated the quiet of the night and knowing it was only me and the “cart” with no other daytime distractions. And…I liked shopping this way.

Finally after about an hour, I began to feel the effects of spending money and my warm bed calling me.

So I hit the send button. Ut Oh, did I mean to hit the shut down the tablet button? 

Morning came, probably more quickly than I had expected it to. My mind was refreshed and clear, ready to tackle the day's activities. 

I jumped in the shower, dressed, walked the dog..on and on before I knew it the hands on the kitchen clock had turned many times to reveal it to be near lunch time.

I loved my renewed spirit on this particular day.

I was hopeful, excited and just so much more cheerful than I had been in a while.

My husband even noticed the shift, commenting that before long, winter would be a memory and we’d be outside enjoying the gardens again.

THAT”s when it hit me…I kid you not.

Apparently, sleep shopping doesn't exactly require the participant to be fully engaged with all their senses.

Having a credit card and an account on file exacerbated the  situation. Amazon didn’t care who hit that merchandise cart button to “purchase”.

Boy, did I have some explaining to do. Thank goodness for their return policy. I have vowed to shut down my tablet from now on and to refrain from making midnight purchases until the morning.

It was fun while it lasted.

Pat Larsen lives, plays and works in Greene County.

Her passions include  teaching fitness  for her favorite people, Baby Boomers whom she brings classes to every week.

Want to share a story? Please feel free to contact Pat at 518-275-8686 to chat.

 

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The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all. As they say, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Enjoy.

Spring? Not yet. Did you turn your clocks ahead to stay current or did you run an hour late on Sunday? Or Monday? Just wish the wind would stop blowing. But in comparison to other areas in the USA, we can handle the wind.

Got a call from Nancy Kizyma, who is always on the lookout for Church or community sales featuring someone’s overlooked treasures or just too much “stuff”, saying that she and her sister Bonnie made a trip to Saugerties a week ago to check out the rummage sale happening at the high school. They both found things they couldn’t live without and Nancy got some real bargains on items that the owners just wanted to get rid of regardless of value. Just to give you a fair warning Nancy, the United Methodist Church of Coxsackie is having a Spring Fair at their Church, 103 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, on March 15, 9 AM – 2 PM, with lots of items. Lunch is also served from 11 AM – 1 PM. This Church also has a schedule for their additional fairs coming up in the spring/summer and fall. And heard some rumor that there will be a huge Estate/Yard sale in Prattsville over the 4-day Memorial Day holiday. Stay tuned.

Chris Dwon called to let me know she has Red Wing blackbirds visiting her. Have not heard nor seen any in our area. They usually are in attendance by Valentine’s Day. And she also has seen her first robins but we did get our robins before she did. We are both waiting to see the Goldfinches change into their summer yellow foliage.

Debbie and Steve Baker got their two daughters back on Saturday the 8th. Those Fabulous Baker Girls, Stephanie and Samantha, were enjoying warmer climes for a number of days, soaking up the sun, which we do not seem to have much of any more, and trying out some ocean sports for the first time. Also enjoying the warm and sunny weather of the Florida Keys were Isaac and Nadine Gurley Huntsman and sons Lincoln and Crew. Nadine’s mom Jodi also enjoyed the weather and family time with them. Kim, in the Deli Dept. at Jim’s Great American, also spent a break from our winter weather at her daughter’s in Florida, but she was babysitting her young granddaughter and declared it was very tiring. Warmth/tiring? You choose.

Then there is Ray Bracaliello. He is back from his latest hunting trip in the Southwest. His hunting buddies all have different culinary expertise and Ray said his is Dove liver pate. And, yes, he was bragging that his pate is delicious and the best. Had a few doubting looks from his conversationalists but we will take his word for it.

Janet Brainerd called to say that she is doing some closet cleaning and has some craft items and material that she is willing to give away to all and any interested parties. How do we accumulate so much “stuff”? And why is it so hard to get rid of? Get in touch if you would like some of her bounty.

Next up is Championship College Basketball with March Madness starting Tuesday, March 18. Last year Caitlin Clark made the women’s playoffs very exciting. It is a fast action sport so it is easy to watch without a lot of time outs.

Happy Birthday to Luke Maurer on March 16. On March 17 we wish Daryl Smith, Jacob Lindley and Sandy Martin Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday to Kayleigh Wheeler on March 18. Happy Birthday to David Irwin Jr. on April 19. On March 20 we wish Sue Truesdell a very Happy Birthday. On March 18 we wish Kathy and Everett Sherman the best day ever.

Please send your special dates and information to gurleyrv@gmail.com.

 

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Six on Ballot for March 18 Elections in Tannersville

By Max Oppen

Tannersville – So much for a lack of interest in becoming an elected official in the Village of Tannersville. That was one argument that favored dissolving the Village, but voters overwhelmingly rejected dissolution this past January. Now, six candidates are vying for three positions in the upcoming March 18 election—four for two open Village Trustee seats and two for Village Mayor.

Current Village Deputy Mayor/Trustee David Kashman is being challenged for the mayoral seat by former long-term Mayor Dr. Lee McGunnigle, while four new candidates are running for Village Trustee. Kashman has served on the Village Board for approximately six years, learning as he goes. While McGunnigle brings over two decades of experience—including playing a key role in securing the Village's $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant—Kashman and the current administration have been instrumental in moving many projects forward, including the $1.3 million Upper Lake Development project, the Streambank project off Railroad Avenue, a connectivity grant for improved sidewalks, and a municipal solar program.

McGunnigle's challenge reflects lingering tensions over the dissolution debate, as he has criticized the current Board for prioritizing dissolution over pushing these infrastructure projects forward. However, the counterargument by current Village Mayor David Schneider remains that state-funded projects naturally take time to develop, a claim McGunnigle disputes. His loss in the 2023 mayoral election to Schneider by a single vote sparked speculation and rumors, with both sides presenting different accounts. Between September and January, voter registration in the Village increased by 109, increasing the total number of registered voters from approximately 450 to 550. This was partly due to efforts led by Trustee George Kelly, a vocal opponent of dissolution, who acknowledged his work to register voters before this past January 14 vote. His efforts paid off, with voters overwhelmingly voting to keep the Village.

It will be interesting to see if the newly registered voters (69 absentee voters) will participate as they did this past January.

The Trustee Race: A Mix of Experience and Fresh Perspectives

Four candidates are vying for two Village Trustee seats: lifelong residents Kody Leach and Stephen Tuomey and New York City transplants Gil Adler and Rebecca Fitting. Village Trustee Dylan Legg, a Republican, has decided not to run, while Deputy Mayor/Trustee Kashman is running for Mayor.

Leach, 24, has been cross-endorsed by the Mountaintop Democratic and Republican caucuses. Born and raised on the mountaintop, he graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2021 with a degree in Business Management and returned to manage local businesses for entrepreneur Ryan Chadwick. Leach oversees the Chadwick's Trolley system, which has significantly alleviated traffic congestion on Route 23A, and manages Chadwick's business, Fred's Coffee & Donuts. Leach also manages. While he lacks political experience, his willingness to learn and engage with constituents through door-knocking suggests a fresh, community-driven perspective.

Tuomey, 60, secured the Republican Caucus's backing. A well-known figure in the community, he is the current Village Fire Chief and has been involved with the fire company since 1982. His background includes working as a dispatch officer for Ulster County for 14 years and serving two years as the head of the Village Department of Public Works. Known for being the first on the scene during emergencies, Tuomey has deep community ties and is well-known for his public service.

Adler, 40, won the Democratic Caucus's support and has lived in the Village for approximately six years. His background is diverse—he served as a sniper in the Israeli Army in his early twenties, holds degrees from Boston University and Columbia University with CPA credentials, and has worked in finance for over a decade. A vocal opponent of dissolution, Adler has attended more Village meetings than any other trustee candidate. He became particularly engaged in Village politics after the DRI grant was awarded but left town due to a family emergency. When he returned to the Village, he discovered McGunnigle was no longer Mayor (replaced by David Schneider), and according to Adler, the Board became focused on dissolution, which he felt was a "180-degree change, and divided the Village." Adler has been actively reaching out to voters, and said, "I've spoken to residents who have lived here for 10-15 years and never received a call from a candidate."

Fitting, 50, is running as an Independent under "The Village Party" after missing out on caucus endorsements. A Village resident for about a year and a half, she first purchased the Brave the Flames building in 2021 before moving up full-time with her son, who attends Hunter-Tannersville Central. She describes herself as "fiscally responsible and civically engaged" and has emphasized the importance of safety, infrastructure, and quality of life. In a letter to Village residents, Fitting stated, "As we learned from the dissolution report, our Village is fiscally sound. I'm interested in helping Tannersville invest in itself to grow, adapt, and evolve."

A Common Vision for the Future

Despite their different backgrounds, all candidates share common goals: improving infrastructure, preserving the Village's historical character, securing future grants, and fostering sustainable growth. With election signs popping up along Main Street like early spring flowers, Tannersville is preparing for a season of change—not just in weather but in leadership. Whether voters opt for experience, fresh perspectives, or a combination of both, one thing is clear: the community is engaged, and the future of the Village will be shaped by those who show up on March 18 to cast their ballot.

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Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

The following is a message from VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt:

Last week I voiced the VFW’s concerns about the indiscriminate firings of veterans across our federal government. We heard from our members across the country about the effects this was having on their livelihoods and the care veterans seek at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

I urged the use of a scalpel instead of a chain saw when seeking the right size of the VA. We feel this way because the men and women who served our country deserve that consideration when making decisions that are this serious.   

Earlier this week, VA announced its plans to reduce the VA workforce by an additional 83,000 employees. The VFW sees no scenario where that would not affect veterans care and benefits. Once again, it is concerning that the announced cuts would be harmful to veterans.    

Thankfully, yesterday at a press conference, President Trump made it clear he was directing the Cabinet secretaries to take the lead on right sizing their respective departments instead of DOGE.

President Trump stated, “I don’t want to see a big cut where a lot of good people are cut.” Later in a social media post the president wrote, “We say the ‘scalpel’ rather than the ‘hatchet.’” The VFW agrees with that sentiment, and we are glad to hear the administration has heard the concerns of groups like the VFW.   

We now call upon VA to reconsider its planned reduction of 83,000 employees and thoroughly review any proposed cuts prior to rolling out further announcements like this.

Again, a scalpel is the preferred tool when making these precise cuts, especially when, at this very moment, veteran employees are indeed fit to have jobs still serving their fellow veterans and the country. 

The VFW supports the elimination of waste, fraud and abuse in our government. I told Secretary Collins earlier this week that we agree that there are areas at VA where we can tighten the belt.

And the VFW will work with Secretary Collins and other veteran groups to help identify processes that need to be more efficient, so veterans remain the focus at VA. We call on all veterans who have not yet engaged on this issue to follow us in making your voice heard. If veterans won’t stand up for one another, then who will?

Our leaders in Washington, D.C., must “Honor the Contract” we all signed when we joined the military. Making sure veterans care and benefits remain fully funded and appropriately staffed to carry out this critical mission is incredibly important. We fulfilled our part of the contract we signed, and we expect our elected and appointed leaders to do the same.  

I’m excited to share with all Vietnam veterans that “The Wall That Heals,” a traveling tribute, will be on display from June 5th to 8th at the La Salle Institute, located at 174 Williams Road, Troy, NY. The event is free and open to the public, closing at 2 PM on June 8th.

This past Saturday, I attended a meeting with the NY Department of the VFW, where we discussed an upcoming meeting with State Legislators scheduled for Wednesday, March 12.

As a former District Commander, I was part of the VFW Legislative team, and I will be meeting with the State committee at the Marriott Hotel in Albany. A bus full of VFW members will be traveling to the meeting to engage with the legislators, and I will provide updates on the outcomes. I hope a strong turnout will demonstrate our commitment to veterans’ rights.

Additionally, as I mentioned in a previous article, our post has received a bingo license, and we are currently working with the town to finalize the necessary requirements. 

This process may take a week or two, after which we will announce the start date for bingo at the post. Many community members have shown interest, and we believe this will be an enjoyable activity for everyone.

On a personal note, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the members of VFW Post 1545 for the privilege of serving as your commander over the past few years. 

I will always consider you my heroes, friends, and comrades. Your dedication has shaped this post into what it is today, and I am proud to have played a small role in its success.

This weeks MIA/POW report: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today that U.S. Army Pvt. James G. Loterbaugh, 35, of Roseville, Ohio, killed during World War II, was accounted for Sept. 20, 2024.

In December 1944, Loterbaugh was assigned to Company C, 774th Tank Battalion, as a crewmember on an M4 “Sherman” tank. On Dec. 11, his platoon became separated from the rest of the company during a battle with German forces near Strass, Germany, in the Hürtgen Forest. The enemy surrounded Strass and by mid-day the entire platoon, including Loterbaugh’s tank, was reported Missing in Action. The Germans never reported Loterbaugh as a prisoner of war and Army personnel who searched the battlefield after the fighting found no lead regarding his fate. The War Department issued a presumptive finding of death in December 1945.

While studying unresolved American losses in the Hürtgen area, a DPAA historian determined that X-1128, recovered from one of the burned-out tanks in Strass, possibly belonged to Loterbaugh. The remains, which had been buried in Netherlands American Cemetery, an American Battle Monuments Commission site in Margraten, Netherlands, were disinterred in July 2022 and sent to the DPAA laboratory for analysis. To identify Loterbaugh’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA, Y chromosome DNA, and autosomal DNA analysis.

Loterbaugh will be buried in Dayton, Ohio on a date yet to be determined. Keep all of our fallen Soldiers, Marines and Sailors who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Country in your thoughts and prayers.

VFW Mission Statement: To foster camaraderie among Unites States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.

God Bless America and keep our still serving military safe as they serve around the world for our Country. 

Marc Farmilette – Past Commander VFW Post 1545

 

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