A Conversation about ...Fruit

By Jean Thomas

This morning, as the last few days of April swirl past, I walked through a blizzard of white. Not snow, although it isn't unheard of even this late, but petals from cherry blossoms on an adjacent tree. Naturally, being a food-oriented type, I looked forward to harvesting the fruit later in the year. And thought about how busy that tree was in its process. Once the petals are disposed of, the tiny fruit begin to develop, passing through a series of predictable phases on the way to harvest.

A little further down the road my attention was drawn by a branch chock full of small samaras amid a few unfolding leaves. A samara is the fancy word that describes maple fruit, or, as some of us know them, “helicopters” because of their behavior when they are ready to drop from the mother tree. In the vast maple (AKA Acer) family, there are subdivisions according to how early or late the samaras form. This one is probably a red maple, and a type that flowers early.

Around the corner from the maple is a group of big spruce trees. The ground is covered with what looks like a cross between strawberries and teeny pine cones. They are soft, and some spill out pollen when I pick them up. These are male “flowers”, called strobili. The pollen is meant for their female counterpart, which grow at the same time on the same tree (yes, I had to Google it.)

Further along my trail, I came across an Elm bursting with papery discs that serve the same purpose as the strobili and the samaras. These are also a seed dispersal engine. Those of us who live among a large population of elms see the scattered discs late in the season and usually mistake them for fallen leaflets.  Now, when I think of fruit, I more often think of berries. But most of the commonest wild berries are just beginning to flower and are on a slightly later timetable because they need more solar heat and power to build. Blueberries and strawberries are full of cheer and optimism right now, but won't be ready to eat for weeks.

Readiness to eat is the basis of my definition of fruit, so the maple and spruce seem like odd choices until you consider who the diners are. Squirrels and mice are obvious candidates, but remember that many birds are freshly arrived and very hungry. Watch the activity in a tree for awhile. You'll see birds feasting on both the “fruit” and the insects that seek their own meals as well.

Human foragers are definitely omnivores (that means they'll eat everything), and over time have no doubt tasted everything I'm talking about. The practice of foraging is newly popular among a wide range of people. Your local nature and conservation groups, as well as your county's Cooperative Extension conduct frequent foraging walks. The target vegetation varies from week to week, as nature continues through the seasons with each plant and animal following its own timetable in sequence. The elm I referred to above is apparently considered an absolute gourmet delight. Tomorrow I'll taste one.

The podcast, “Nature Calls, Conversations from the Hudson Valley,” has an episode about foraging with Cooperative Extension Specialist Tracey Testo, and it was recorded about this time of year.

https://ccecolumbiagreene.org/gardening/nature-calls-conversations-from-the-hudson-valley/episode-10-wildflowers-and-foraging.               

 

                                                                                                 

 

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Sung Locally - Warren Zevon

PALENVILLE — As one drives west through the land of Rip Van Winkle into Palenville on Route 23A before the windy path leading up to Kaaterskill Falls, a large mural on the east-facing wall of the Circle W Market urges travelers to "Enjoy Every Sandwich." It's not an old bit of wisdom from Washington Irving, but a quote from the late singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, who, it was announced this week, will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Influence Award Category. It's an honor that has evaded the late artist and frustrated fans of the unique lyricist and musician for decades. He is considered a one-hit wonder for some, thanks to his quirky and enduring 1978 hit "Werewolves of London." If people know one Zevon song, that's probably it. But Zevon's body of work includes some of the strangest and most captivating topics in Rock and Roll, from ill-fated Hawaiin vacations and vengeful, headless, machine gunner ghosts to the singer's deeply personal confrontation with death on his final album, The Wind, if you know more than one Warren Zevon song, you probably know many. 

Zevon's early life reads like a story he would have concocted. His father, William "Stumpy" Zevon, a Jewish-Ukranian immigrant, worked for the Los Angeles gangster Mickey Cohen with a carpet store as a front, and his mother was a Mormon housewife. He was a musical prodigy and studied classical music in Igor Stravinsky's home under Robert Craft. When Zevon left home at 16 to pursue a career in music, he drove across the country in a sports car his father had won in a card game. 

Zevon toiled for years trying to make it in the difficult music business and started out primarily selling songs to others. He had small successes. His "He Quit Me" was included in the Midnight Cowboy soundtrack but performed by Lesley Miller. He toured with the Everly Brothers as their keyboardist and bandleader, but the brothers soon split acrimoniously. Zevon then moved to Spain, where he lived with a mercenary, composing and playing pub gigs. In 1976, when Linda Ronstadt recorded Zevon's "Hasten Down the Wind" and made it the title track to her hit album, Zevon's star began to rise. He released an eponymous album that same year to critical acclaim but was still struggling to break through. 1978's Excitable Boy, with "Werewolves of London" as the hit single, became the break the musically brilliant son of a gangster had been dreaming of. 

Popularity-wise, this was Zevon's peak. His career and life became an uneven struggle following his success, a trajectory exquisitely examined in C.M. Kushins' captivating and extensive biography Nothing's Bad Luck: The Life and Times of Warren Zevon. But despite his ups and downs, Zevon never ceased to generate odd tales in his brilliant songs—it's no coincidence some of his best friends were writers. In 2000, Zevon released the critically acclaimed Life'll Kill Ya, an album filled with meditations on death and mortality with Zevon's brand of humor and peculiar sadness woven throughout. Critics hailed it as a return to form and a comeback (and, for the record, my favorite in the Zevon record). He followed it up with another album confronting mortality, My Ride's Here. Perhaps his artistic unconscious was communicating something he did not yet know. In 2002, Zevon was diagnosed with mesothelioma and given only months to live. Shaken, Zevon focused on doing what he did best and gathered his friends to make one final album. 

In 2002, David Letterman, whom Zevon called "the best friend my music has ever had," invited the singer to be the sole guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. By then, it was widely known that Zevon was dying, and on October 30, 2002, he sat down to talk with his pal Dave and to perform his music publicly one last time. Zevon insisted that the show contain humor, of which there was plenty despite the moment's innate somberness. He joked that not going to a doctor for twenty years may have been a "tactical error" and that it was "one of those phobias that really didn't pay off." It was in that interview that Zevon delivered a quote that, in many ways, has become as enduring as his musical legacy. "From your perspective now," asked Letterman of the singer, "do you know something about life or death that maybe I don't?" Zevon took a beat and shifted his head before answering. "Not unless I know how much you're supposed to enjoy every sandwich, you know," replied Zevon with a wry smile. It was the second time he had said the line in the interview, and it quickly became an iconic slogan (whether or not one knows the origin) and advice that anyone visiting Palenville may be reminded of as they pass through. Zevon passed away a year later, on September 7, 2003, just two weeks after the release of his final work.

Maybe an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame doesn't mean much on the grand scale of things. But the grand scale of things is currently a bit bleak, and maybe the Hall finally honoring Warren Zevon for his artistry is the sandwich we should all take a moment to enjoy right now. 

 

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The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – Trust you all had a most pleasant Easter and are continuing to enjoy this season.

Will try to get back to a regular schedule for The Scoop. There might be some redundancy in the information but do want to make sure all are acknowledged for their participation in activities.

The American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327 hosted the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Youngs’ on Easter Saturday, the 19th, to the delight of approximately 100 children, infant to twelve years old. Auxiliary members Debbie Beckwith, Nancy Kizyma, Marianne Krauss, Cathy Martino, and Debbie Wandursky were those manning the Hunt along with Peggy Young, owner Prattsville Ace Hardware and generous and committed Easter Egg Hunt supporter, and the Easter Bunny, who has the Prattsville Easter Egg Hunt on speed dial for each year, and also attending was veteran Dana Hommel from Tannersville American Legion Post. Nancy and Louie Kizyma, Legionnaire of American Legion Virgil E. Deyo Post 1327, had previously stuffed all the eggs with candy. And thanks to Beth Camna, her family, friends, and associates who continued the Easter Egg Hunt celebration on the Prattsville Town Green. You are all sent thanks.

To continue with community events, don’t forget the Prattsville Firemen’s Annual Pork Dinner on Saturday, May 3 at the Prattsville Firehouse, beginning at 4:30 PM. Also the Zadock Pratt Museum will be hosting a show entitled “Grandma’s Quilts”, from May 24 to June 29, Noon to 5 PM at the Museum, Main Street, Prattsville. Contact Carole Cangelosi at 518-791-5344, for information on entering your quilts in the show.

Ray and Claudia Bracaliello’s life has settled down a bit after Easter. Easter week was very busy for them, however, going to Schenectady Monday to set up for a meeting and decorate the GE theatre for the concert on Tuesday, and after that they returned home Tuesday night.  More activities on Wednesday, Thursday was open so was able to rehearse for Easter, back to Schenectady on Friday, to set the organ up again and decorate for the concert on Saturday and stayed for the concert, a great one with a nationally known organist Juan Cardona. Then home for one more rehearsal.  Ray was the chef for their Easter.  He loves the slow cooker, so they had pork and sauerkraut.  Claudia rewarded him with a rest in his recliner wrapped up in her handcrafted afghan and he looks really relaxed. Claudia is in 7th Heaven with all the spring flowers even though some are in short supply. She cut a small branch of lilac, put it in water, and she now has flowers! Super! She hopes her viburnum will open as well. 

Dana Hommel had all his birthday wishes fulfilled with a celebratory dinner at Red’s with three (3) ladies paying him homage, including Cathy Martino. Ginny Gurley and Doreen Maurer. Lots of fun and good food. Happy Birthday Dana.

The Prattsville Reform Church parsonage has a new roof and it looks great. We understand the Reform Church is making plans to replace the roof on their Church’s steeple. With all this wind, it cannot be replaced soon enough. Look for their Chicken BBQ in June of the parsonage’s lawn. Always very delicious.

To all those on our “Get Well” list, we send more feel better wishes, whether it is flu, injury, allergies, etc., Many of those receiving your good wishes, send their thanks to you for your those wishes.

Make Up and current Birthdays – Happy Birthday to Randy Brainerd on April 20. Happy Birthday to Grace Baker on April 24. On April 27 it is Happy Birthday to Rev. Elliott Oakes and Dana Hommel. Happy Birthday to Sheila Sutton on May 4. On May 6 it is Happy Birthday to Medora Kizyma Soule. Happy Birthday to CharleighJo Carr and Shelly Brainard on May 7. On May 8 we send Happy Birthday greetings to Allison Soule. Marcia Tocci is send Happy Birthday wishes on May 9. Happy Anniversary to Jane and Joe Concato on April 22. 

 

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Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - Pro-Hunting Sports Groups Get Kids Off-Screens and Outdoors

Opening day of the 2025 Greene County Youth Turkey Hunt went off without a hitch this past Saturday despite inclement weather. Neither rain nor dark of night could stop 12-year-old Rowan McCarthy of Athens from joining over a dozen kids participating in the annual event. Rowan braved the rain at zero-dark hundred as he ventured out with event organizer/mentor, ECO Lucas Palmateer, despite the fact Rowan was wearing an immobilizing boot over his broken foot! Rowan and Officer Palmateer had one big tom come in as close as 50 yards; just out of range for a humane harvest. The duo hunted without a blind so they got the full force of the elements and the boss’s thunderous gobble and drumming. If you’ve hunted turkeys, you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, it’s hard to describe the mixture of terror and excitement when a big tom gobbles and drums so loudly and at point blank range, that the sound reverberates right through your heart-pounding chest. I think that’s the single biggest factor that draws people to hunt turkeys in the spring. There’s simply nothing like it in the world of hunting that compares to that close-up intense vocal interaction. One where you must resist even the slightest sound or movement so you can squeeze the trigger and close the deal and harvest a nice gobbler. 

 I believe we now have a few more kids, who after this hunt, just might be permanently hooked on turkey hunting. It makes little difference whether or not they harvested a bird. The dynamics of the hunt when you connect with a gobbler, even you don’t get to shoot, can be truly memorable. 

 Thirteen kids went out on mentored turkey hunts on opening day of this year’s Youth Turkey Season in Greene County. The youths, aged 12-15 got to hunt nearly a week before the regular season which opens each year on May 1st. The event would not have been possible without the hard work of members of the New York Conservation Officers Association (NYCOA), the Northern Catskills Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), and the Norton Hill Wildlife Club.

 A total of four turkeys were harvested, which is a pretty good considering the many small things that can derail a perfectly planned hunt. One hunt where all the pieces came together nicely resulted in 14-year-old Grace Alterson, of Prattsville, shooting a beautiful boss tom weighing in at 23 pounds, sporting an eight-inch beard and 3/4-inch spurs. Her first bird! All captured on video by her older brother James under the close supervision of veteran hunter and NWTF Chapter Vice President, James Novak. The huge tom was harvested on a farm on the mountain top. Grace and brother James, joined a number of other youth hunters and mentors who made their way down from the mountain to Norton Hill to commiserate with their valley youth hunter counterparts. Christopher Hoch, 15, in his last turkey hunt as a youth, of Greenville, bagged a double bearded bird while hunting with ECO Kyle Beavis, and Cooper Hulbert, 15, also in his last youth hunt, harvested a nice bird while hunting with one of the Bloom brothers. 

 After the morning hunt, kids, the ECOs, parents, siblings, and volunteers got together for a BBQ put on by Chad and Amber Bloom and the Norton Hill Wildlife Club. Club President, Richard Powell was on hand to show his support for area youth. NYCOA representative and local ECO Lucas Palmateer, was joined by fellow officer/mentors, Albany County ECO Kyle Beavis and Ulster County ECO Adam Johnson, as he announced that Walmart in Catskill had donated two turkey hunting vests to the hunt. Two names were picked out of a “hat” with 13-year-old Jacob Fromer of Tannersville, and 15-year-old Cameron Schelling, of Climax, winning the draw and taking home a pretty handy piece of equipment. None of the kids went home empty handed as Bob Monteleone, President of NWTF’s Northern Catskill’s Longbeards Chapter gave out a box call and two mouth calls to each of the youth hunters. Additionally, all youths got a free, one-year NWTF “JAKES” membership which includes their signature, “JAKES” magazine. All youth hunters and their mentors got a nice O-D green t-shirt commemorating the event.  

 To say a good time was had by all would be an understatement. I did notice that the kids, as well as the adults at the event were too busy sharing stories and admiring harvested toms and jakes on display to be on their phones, even for a minute. 

 Kudos to the organized sportsmen’s groups, sponsors, parents, volunteers, and mentors who made this great event possible. They all went above and beyond actually getting kids “off screens and outdoors!” 

Happy Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping until next time!

News and Notes 

Save the Dates for Upcoming Kid’s Fishing Derbies

On May 10, 2025, the Earlton Fish & Game Club and the Mauer family are hosting their Annual Joe Mauer Memorial Fishing Derby for kids at Mauer’s Pond on Webber Road in Earlton. Those 16 and under can register at 10:00 am and fish from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. There will be prizes, lunch and refreshments.

On June 21st 2025, the Greene County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs will host a kid’s fishing derby at Catskill Point. Further details and information to follow. 

Remember to report poaching and polluting violations by calling the 24-hour ECO Dispatch at 1-844-DEC-ECOS.

 

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National Dance Institute Award-winning children’s dance program returns this July

HUNTER – National Dance Institute (NDI), founded by Jacques d’Amboise, once again brings its award-winning dance program to the Catskill Mountains, with a two-week residency for children in grades 3-8. Under the artistic direction of NDI choreographer Dufftin Garcia, the children will participate in high energy dance classes and choreography workshops accompanied by live music. The program culminates in a performance onstage at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center, featuring the dancers and live music set against a backdrop of colorful banners created over the many years of the collaboration between NDI and the Catskill Mountain Foundation. This is a high energy event that draws large crowds every year!

Jacques d’Amboise founded National Dance Institute in the belief that the arts have a unique power to engage and motivate individuals towards excellence. Recognized as one of the finest classical dancers of our time, Mr. D’Amboise performed with the New York City Ballet for decades. While still a principal dancer, he established National Dance Institute in 1976, bringing his unique artistry and generosity of spirit to impact the lives of children. He led the field of arts education with NDI’s acclaimed program that teaches the magic and discipline of dance to thousands of children each year.

With support from a generous donor, Catskill Mountain Foundation is able to offer several participants a scholarship which brings the total cost of this two-week program to just $50. Those participants must be local and registered in the Hunter-Tannersville Central Schools or Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District. Scholarships are available on a first come, first serve basis. 

This year’s residency, The Evolution of Rock Music, will be held at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center from July 7-20, Monday through Friday, 9am to 3pm, with a performance on July 19 at 7:00 PM. For more information and to register for this program, contact Hillary at morseh@catskillmtn.org or call 518-263-2001. For tickets and information about the performance on Saturday, July 19, visit www.catskillmtn.org, call 518 263 2063 or email boxoffice@catskillmtn.org.

About Catskill Mountain Foundation
The Catskill Mountain Foundation’s (CMF) aim is to provide educational opportunities in the arts for youth and lifelong learners, to bring the experience of the arts to the Catskill community, and to support artists and art organizations in the development of their work through residencies. Since its founding in 1998, CMF has presented hundreds of music, dance, and theater performances; screened over 1,000 films to tens of thousands of audience members; provided studio arts classes to thousands of students of all ages; and served thousands of art-loving patrons in the Catskill Mountain Foundation Gift Shop. The Catskill Mountain Foundation operates the Doctorow Center for the Arts in Hunter, the Orpheum Performing Arts Center in Tannersville, and the Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts in Maplecrest, NY.

Since 1998, CMF has raised, generated, and invested close to $16 million in facility development and an excess of $42 million in programming operations, for a total investment in the Catskill community of over $58 million. Catskill Mountain Foundation is supported in part by New York State Council on the Arts, the Greene County Cultural Fund administered by the Greene County Legislature, The Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, The Royce Family Foundation, The Samuel and Esther Doctorow Fund, The Orville and Ethel Slutzky Family Foundation, Platte Clove Bruderhof Community, Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation, The Greene County Youth Bureau, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, All Souls’ Church, Stewarts Shops, Windham Foundation, and by private donations. CMF believes that the arts can transform the lives of those touched by it and can transform the community. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Media Contact:
Joan Oldknow

oldknowj@catskillmtn.org 

 

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Motorcycle Accident Closes Route 23A

By Max Oppen 

HAINES FALLS — A routine trip down the mountain turned into a multi-vehicle accident that closed state Route 23A in both directions for several hours on Monday evening.

Eyewitness Carl Giagrande, who was traveling with his wife, Kathleen, to a dentist appointment in Catskill, reported that the crash occurred around 5:30 p.m.

Giagrande was driving downhill behind a panel truck when the vehicle in front of him stopped abruptly. At the same time, a motorcyclist heading up the mountain clipped the front bumper of the panel truck. The impact sent the motorcyclist flying about twenty feet, landing near Giagrande’s car.

Fortunately, Giagrande and his wife were in the right place at the wrong time. Kathleen, a nurse at Columbia Memorial Hospital for over a decade and currently the school nurse at Hunter-Tannersville Elementary, quickly stepped into action.

“His leg was mangled and bent and had a puncture wound oozing blood,” Giagrande recalled. He immediately called 911, and the Town of Hunter EMS arrived within minutes. Giagrande, the code enforcement officer for the Town of Lexington, Jewett, and the Villages of Hunter and Tannersville, said the dispatcher instructed them to apply pressure to the wound.

Despite his injuries, the motorcyclist kept trying to move. Kathleen worked to keep him calm while tending to the wound. “She asked him who the President of the United States was,” Giagrande said. “He answered, ‘Zelenskyy,’” referring to the President of Ukraine—an apparent result of confusion and shock.

The motorcyclist was conscious and alert when he was taken by ambulance. His identity and current condition remain unknown.

The injured man's friend, who was riding another motorcycle nearby, was not hurt in the crash.

As for the Giagrandes, they missed their dentist appointment and were delayed heading home due to the road closure. “We ended up grabbing a pizza from Selena’s Diner,” Giagrande said..

 

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Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

I would like to thank everyone who joined us for Bingo last Thursday. It was a fantastic night of fun and community spirit. 

Each time we host the event, we gain more experience and it’s truly heartwarming to see our hall filled with members of the community enjoying themselves. If you haven’t yet joined us, we’d love to see you at our next event!

As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, the Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) at the Department of Veterans Affairs at Stratton VA Hospital operates a food pantry and clothing room for indigent veterans. 

They are currently in need of the following items men’s sneakers (sizes 9-12), Men’s sweatpants (sizes s-XXL), men’s sweatshirts (sizes s- XXXL) and T-shirts (sizes s-XXXL) for their clothing room. 

For the food pantry they need canned chicken/tuna, instant potatoes, Chef Boyardee products, canned fruit, spaghetti/macaroni products, mac and cheese, instant rice, and tomato sauce.

Toiletries in need are toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, body wash and lotion. You can contact Dom Domingues, chief for CDCE at 518-626-5507 or email him at erwi.domingues@va.gov for more information.

Should you want anything you plan on donating delivered to the hospital, let me know and I will bring up whatever you donate. 

With Memorial Day coming this month I want to remind everyone that the post will be attending an assembly on the front lawn of the Windham, Ashland, Jewett CS on May 22nd at 8:30. 

We will then proceed to the cemeteries and the monument on Route 296. All are invited to attend the VFW Memorial Day Ceremony. 

Originally called Decoration Day, from early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country. 

It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers.

After WWI, it became an occasion for honoring those who died in all of America’s wars and was then more widely established as a national holiday throughout the United States.

In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May. 

On May 17, Jewett will dedicate their new veteran’s memorial. I will be getting more information regarding this important date. 

Let us all remember the fallen who gave their lives for our country. This week we honor WWII veteran,  US Sgt. Ivor Thornton from Martinsville, Virginia. 

On June 6, 1944 “D-Day” Thornton landed on Omaha Beach with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 29th Infantry Division. Fellow soldiers last observed him wading ashore  but was never seen thereafter. On June 7 , 1944 , the day after the invasion, Thornton’s unit unsuccessfully searched for him and on June 8th was declared missing in action. On June 8th they recovered the remains but could be identified and  were designated X-159. Thornton’s family and the family of another soldier requested that X-159 be disinterred  and compared to Thornton. Through anthropological analyses he X-159 was identified as Sgt. Thornton.

Thornton’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France along with other still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.  Sgt. Thornton will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on a date yet to be determined.

Since the end of the Revolutionary War, over 1.19 million U.S. military members have died, including 651,031 battle deaths and 539,054 non-combat deaths. Specifically, over 600,000 have been killed in military conflicts since World War I, according to government data. 

Remember to keep all veterans in your thoughts and prayers along with those who are serving our county today. God Bless America.

Marc Farmilette – Commander VFW Post 1545

 

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Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

What a fabulous presentation by Greene County Historian Jonathan Palmer at the annual Lexington Patriots Day at the West Kill/Lexington Community Hall in West Kill on April 26.  He had us all enthralled with the history of Lafayette’s childhood, his involvement in the American Revolution, his French accomplishments and history.  As one individual stated to me after Jonathan’s presentation, “I wish he had been my history teacher.”  Thank you Jonathan and all who came, provided the refreshments and VanDusen’s in Lexington for the door prize. 

On April 25 the HTC SADD Mock Car Crash at HTC was coordinated by Nicole Lynn Benjamin. Participating agencies were Pete’s Hunter Auto Repair and Towing, Haines Falls Auto Center, Haines Falls Fire Company, Hunter Fire Company No 1, Inc., Hunter Ambulance, Tannersville Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Lexington Fire/Rescue Company, Greene County Paramedics, Greene County Sheriff’s Office NY, Greene County Coroner, BCI, Sheriff Pete Kusminsky and five others, and thanks to HTC for allowing this event.

On May 1 and May 2, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be spring cleaning on “Bonnie’s Trails.”  Meet at trail head directly across from 771 Beech Ridge Road South, West Kill. Volunteers are needed to pick up fallen wood, trim overhanging tree limbs, place rocks at one or two points in periodically wet areas and chainsawing fallen trees that cross the trails (must be NYS certified).  Tools are available but you are welcome to bring your own toppers and handsaws. If there is time, there will be a hike on the newest trail which is currently being blazed.  It will be the longest trail of “Bonnie’s Trails” covering a variety of different kinds of forests.  Please RSVP if you want to help. Email bennettwine@gmail.com. 

Happy birthday to Barbara Richrath on Thursday, May 1.

Sunday, May 4 is Lori Anander’s birthday.

Happy 15th wedding anniversary to Charina and Michael Falke on Wednesday, May 7.

Best wishes to all.

Friday, May 2, be sure to come over to the Lexington/West Kill UMC, 54 County Route 13A, Lexington for Brooks Chicken BBQ.  Take outs only from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., first come, first served.  Adult dinners are $15, children 5-9 are $9 and chicken half is $9.  Dinners include half a chicken, macaroni salad, coleslaw, and brownie.  

The Hensonville Hose Company, 432 State Route 296, Hensonville is providing a Fish Fry fundraiser dinner for the Hunter/Windham School Kid Trap Team on Friday, May 2 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The dinners are $20 and include fish or clam strips or chicken tenders, baked potato or french fries, coleslaw, dinner roll, brownie.  Fundraiser will be used for the kids’ continuing education and needed supplies.  Also on May 2 at the fundraiser dinner, there is a raffle to support the Trap Team. Drawing will be 7 p.m. at the Hensonville Hose Company firehouse.  Call 518-734-3040 or 518-857-7203.

Saturday, May 3, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Prattsville Hose Company, 47 Firehouse Drive will be hosting a Roast Pork Dinner.  Adults, $18, children 6-12, $9 and 5 and under are free. Menu is roast pork, homemade mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, applesauce, coleslaw, dinner rolls and a beverage.  Desserts are a large variety of homemade items.  Dine in or takeouts are available starting at 4 p.m.  Advance reservations are not required.  

Lexington/West Kill UMC Administrative Council meeting is Wednesday, May 7, 4:30 p.m. in the church hall.

Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson, is presenting a Pet First Aid Training on Wednesday, May 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. instructed by Paul S. MacNamara DVM, Chief of Surgery, Hudson Highlands Veterinary Medical Group.  Topics:  Pet CPR, heat stroke, hypothermia, gastrointestinal issues, allergies, poisonings, burns, eye issues, wound care and more.  $20 donation requested to participate.  No certification is received at the end of this class.  It is strictly informational.  To reserve a spot, please call 518-828-6044 or info@cghs.org. 

Soup and Fellowship Kitchen is Tuesday, May 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Blue Room at the Kaaterskill UMC, Tannersville.  Come for free soup, sandwich and more.

Ladies Auxiliary of the Town of Lexington Fire/Rescue Company will meet Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. in the firemen’s room.

Greene County 2025 Rabies Vaccine Clinic for Greene County residents will be Wednesday, May 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Angelo Canna Town Park, Joseph D. Spencer Lane, Cairo.  Drive-up only and preregistration is required.  Call Greene County Public Health at 518-719-3600 option 1. Please be prepared with proper leashes, carriers and muzzles (if necessary) for your animal to keep them and others safe.  Please bring proof of prior rabies vaccination – certificate, not tag – to receive three-year certificate.  If no record is presented, your pet will be given a one-year certificate.  Donations will be accepted, suggested donation $5 per animal.

The annual meeting of the West Kill/Lexington Community Improvement Association will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 4 p.m. in the Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road, West Kill.  Coffee hour starts at 3 p.m.

Congratulations to Susan Friedman of Hunter for being selected as 2025 Senior Citizen of the Year and Richard Mirando of Coxsackie as Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.  They will be recognized and receive their awards on May 21 at the Greene County Legislature meeting for their achievements.

The Greene County Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of May 5 – May 9 is as follows:  Monday—Macaroni and cheese, three-bean salad, stewed tomatoes, peaches; Tuesday—Baked chicken with gravy, mashed potatoes, Sonoma vegetables, fruited Jell-O; Wednesday—Pork chop with gravy and applesauce, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, chocolate chip cookies; Thursday—Roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, garden salad, broccoli, strawberry cream cake; Friday—Chef’s Choice.  All persons 60 and older and spouses are invited to attend.  Congregate meals served at noon Monday through Friday.  Suggested donation $4 per meal.  Congregate dining reservations are required by noon at least a day in advance. If you reserve a meal and are unable to attend, please call as soon as you can to cancel.  Allergen information is available for prepared food items.  The number to call for the Senior Service Center at the Jewett Municipal Building, Route 23C, Jewett is 518-263-4392.

A reminder that the NYS burn ban is in effect through May 14.

Thank you to all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, volunteers, healthcare providers, veterans, 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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