Rip's Rock Hike From Winter Clove Inn

ROUND TOP — Registration is required for this hike Saturday, September 27th at 9:00 AM. Limited to 12 attendees. For more information or to register, please email mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518-589-6657.

We will start at the Winter Clove Inn in Round Top. This hike will take us to Rip’s Rock, a stunning lookout of the Hudson Valley and the site where legendary Rip Van Winkle slept for 20 years. Along the way we will pass the Bareback Brook, Daisy Field, pristine forest and Indian Lookout which offers another great view. After the hike, for those interested, we will stop at Old Factory Brewing Company in Cairo to quench our thirst.

Registration is required. For more information or to register, please email mthsdirector@mths.org or call 518-589-6657.

Hike Leader: George Hewitt

Difficulty: moderately challenging (5.1 miles RT with a 1,017’ elevation gain and rocky trails).

 

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Big Plans for Little League in Windham

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - There is already no doubt that if the town of Windham builds it, they will come, leaving only the question, when will it be built?

The answer came, last week, when local government officials approved an offer from Delaware Engineering for professional services, leading to the creation of a recreation facility outside the hamlet of Hensonville.

A little league baseball field will be a key part of that project after months of controversy surrounding the initially proposed location.

Town council members, in the winter of 2024, announced a tentative plan to construct two itty-bitty ballfields at the popular Windham Path.

Their announcement resulted in a storm of resistance from a group called Friends of the Windham Path, demanding the fields be built elsewhere.

Numerous town council meetings were heated to the point of having a police presence. Lines were drawn in the sand with the possibility mentioned by the opposition group of pursuing legal action.

No common ground was reached by last September, although town officials said they would make a decision before the end of autumn, likely moving forward, with Friends of the Windham Path holding their ground.

It appeared the situation could get messy when, with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, the Windham Foundation unexpectedly stepped to the plate and hit a walk-off homerun.

Foundation members announced they had purchased 34 acres of land along Route 65A (Seeley Road), ending the turmoil in a heartbeat.

Town supervisor Thomas Hoyt noted the Foundation, for several months, had been quietly working to buy the property, not wanting to reveal their intentions until they came to fruition.

Foundation president Paul Mutter, at that time said, “the parcel will take on a new use as home to a seven-plus acre Little League Baseball facility.” The remaining 27 acres are set aside for future community uses.

Government officials took on the project after issues related to parking and residential development arose at the current little league field, located along South Street for generations.

Ownership of the seven acres has been transferred to the town. Delaware Engineering chief John Brust, at least week’s council session, presented details of the professional services proposal.

“The town board is envisioning the property will initially be utilized for the construction of a little league baseball field,” the contract states.

There will also be, “an adjoining playground, open fields for future soccer and/or baseball practice fields and parking areas,” the contract states.

“Initial discussions with funding entities suggest that this will be a $1.2 million capital project,” the contract states.

Town officials are optimistic that price tag could be substantially reduced by securing grants and other outside funding sources

Delaware Engineering fees are not-to-exceed $147,500, the agreement states, performing jobs including planning and surveying.

Other included tasks are: providing detailed design and construction plans, stormwater preparation, site plan approval thru the local planning board, writing construction bid specifications and construction support (to be determined).

The agreement states Delaware Engineering will partner with the town board to conceptualize the following Phase One enhancements:

—Two-way entrance road, parking lot with spaces for 50 vehicles, little league baseball field with constructed infield;

—Drainage underlying baseball field and a grandstand behind home plate suitable for 100 spectators. Grandstand will be constructed over ADA compliant restrooms and storage rooms for maintenance equipment;

—Warm-up pitching and batting cages. Outfield electronic scoreboard, adjacent pavilion and adjoining playground;

—Electric service for grandstands, maintenance, scoreboard and future outfield lighting. Municipal water and sewer service;

—Most of the 7.2 acre lot will be level and graded so that a future soccer filed and or baseball practice field can be situated to the south of the proposed little league field. A skateboard park is also envisioned.

Supervisor Hoyt noted the water and sewer hookups will be integrated into a longterm plan for the area in and around Hensonville.

“Maybe we can get the sewer lines to Elm Ridge, which has had issues for years, and establish another loop for our water system,” Hoyt said.

“We don’t just want to run a bunch of pipe out there. We want to be looking out for the community down the road too,” Hoyt said.

It is expected the job will be put out to bid in early 2026, with a potential ceremonial first pitch and umpire yelling “play ball” that autumn.

Government officials took on the project after issues related to parking, residential development and safety arose at the existing little league ballpark, located for generations along South Street in Windham.

 

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Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Town of Lexington Fire/Rescue Company thanks everyone for their support of the fundraiser bake sale at the Lexington Farmers Market on Aug. 30.  

Alice Cross celebrates her birthday on Friday, Sept. 5.

Saturday, Sept. 6 is Emily Plishner’s birthday.

Best wishes to all.

Fellowship Lunch will be held at the Kaaterskill UMC, 5942 Main Street, Tannersville on Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Everyone one is welcomed to enjoy a delicious free meal and fellowship.

Tuesday, Sept. 9 the Ladies Auxiliary of the Town of Lexington Fire/Rescue Company will meet at 7 p.m. in the Firemen’s Room.

Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) is holding a Walk that supports vital Association programs and services that are critical to thousands of individuals and families in New York State on Saturday, Sept. 13, rain or shine, registration at 10 a.m., walk starts at 12 noon on the Walkway Over the Hudson, 87 Haviland Road, Highland, NY.  The BIANYS is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.  Donations greatly appreciated.  Online:  https:/give.classy.org/HudsonHeroes. If you have questions, you may email Jane and Joe Concato at jjconc@gmail.com or call them at 518-989-1019.  Donations may also be sent to Jane and Joe Concato, P. O. Box 53, Lexington, NY 12452.  Jane is a brain injury survivor and she and Joe are very active in the Brain Injury Association.  Their team is the Hudson Heroes.

North Settlement Church Restoration celebrates the installation of NYS Historic Marker on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m., 2184 County Route 10, Windham.  The Greene Room Players Songbirds will sing and old photos will be on display.  Cookies will be served.

The Greene County Vet2Vet and Greene County Veterans Service Agency Community Day is Saturday, Sept 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Angelo Canna Town Park, Cairo.  This is a free event for all ages.  There will be BBQ, inflatables, games, Corn Hole Tournament (must register), live music by The Lost Cowboys and more honoring those who served our country and their families.  Proceeds from the event go to Veteran Children’s Scholarship Fund.

There will be a Victorian Tea to benefit the Zadock Pratt Museum, Prattsville, on Saturday, Sept. 13 with seatings at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.  You are invited to an elegant afternoon of tea, finger sandwiches, homemade desserts set in the historic charm of the Zadock Pratt homestead.  There will also be gift basket raffle and prizes.  The cost is $35 per person and reservations are required.  Dressy attire is encouraged but not required.  To make your reservation, please text Lisa at 713-594-8118.

Next Lexington Farmers Market is Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. under the pavilion at the Lexington Municipal Building.

Wednesday, Sept. 17 is a free Rabies Vaccine Clinic from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Angelo Canna Town Park, Joseph D. Spencer Lane, Cairo for Greene County residents.  Drive-up only, donations will be accepted with a suggested donation of $5 per animal.  Please be prepared with proper leashes, carriers and muzzles (if necessary) for your animals 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.  Preregistration is required.  Call Greene County Public Health at 518-719-3600 option 1.

Covered dish Dinner Church will be Friday, Sept. 19 in the Lexington/West Kill UMC, Lexington at 6 p.m.  All welcomed.

Cruisin’ on the Mountain Top Fall Car Show is Sunday, Sept. 21, Main Street, Tannersville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  There will be live music all day from Whiskey Cross, Sonny Rock and Just James.  For more info or to register, call 518-589-5850 option 2 or email tannersvillecarshow@gmail.com.  Sponsored by the Village of Tannersville, Pancho Villa’s, Thorpe’s GMC.

Saturday, Sept. 27 bring your dancin’ shoes and a covered dish to the Friends of Lexington Barn Dance and Pot Luck dinner at the West Kill/Lexington Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road, West Kill from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.  There will be a caller and live performance by Homespun Occasions.  Pot luck style dinner starts at 4 p.m., BYOB.  Suggested donation $10 per person. Tickets at the door or RSVP by sending your donation via Venmo.  Questions?  Email friendsoflexington@gmail.com or DM@friends_of_lex or Instagram. Many thanks to sponsors West Kill Brewing, Spruceton Inn and Rivermist Farms.

The Haines Falls Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary is holding a Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., takeout only.  A half chicken is $10 and a full dinner of half chicken, baked potatoes and baked beans is $15.  See a member for tickets.  Proceeds benefit the Haines Falls Fire Company and Auxiliary.

Mountain Top Library, 6093 Main Street, Tannersville hours are Monday and Tuesday 10-5; Wednesday 10-7; Thursday and Friday 10-5; Saturday 10-2.  Go to the library’s website www.mountaintoplibrary.org or follow on social media to check out the new weekly programs.

The Greene County Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of Sept. 8 – Sept. 12 is as follows:  Monday—Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, California mixed vegetables, fruit cocktail; Tuesday—Baked ziti with meat sauce, Italian mixed vegetables, spinach, Jell-O; Wednesday—Pork chop with gravy and applesauce, broccoli, and cauliflower mix, sweet potato, apple crisp; Thursday—Cheddar bacon burger, Au Gratin potatoes, carrots, coleslaw, fresh fruit; Friday—Senior Citizen Day – Main office and all senior nutrition sites closed.  All persons 60 and older and spouses are invited to attend.  Meals served at noon, suggested $4 donation for each meal.  Congregate 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, 3547 County Route 23C, Jewett is 518-263-4392.

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.

Twenty-four years ago – 9/11/2001.  We will never forget.  

 

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY - Or What?

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - There had been a rumor going around that the town of Catskill was maybe pulling out of the countywide ambulance plan, throwing a serious wrench in the gears, so we went to the source.

The question was posed to longtime Catskill ambulance administrator George June and Catskill town supervisor Patrick McCullough. 

Their answer was a bit of both. They have been deeply involved in the talks taking place since last fall about forming a unified system, resulting in what seemed to be a consensus the county should do it.

That was in early August during discussions involving the Greene County Legislature, town government leaders and emergency services professionals who have all been hashing this thing out.

It was decided the county would set the wheels in motion on creating a new executive director’s position to guide the formation process.

A job description is being written and is expected to be put before the full  legislature for inclusion in the 2026 county budget this month or next. Everything hangs in the balance of their choice.

County administrator Shaun Groden has been serving as co-chairman of the ambulance chats along with legislature chairman Patrick Linger.

It is expected they will be seeking full commitment from municipal leaders on the county plan at the next group gathering, slated for September 25.

What does total commitment look like? That depends on who you ask. “At this point, [Catskill] is still planing to operate its own ambulance service, until the county can provide assurances that the new system will be as good as or better than what we have now,” June says.

How would the county deliver that assurance? “I couldn’t speculate on what would prove that,” June said, putting the ball in the county’s court.

The county appears ready to move forward, with or without the town of Catskill, which isn’t the same as Catskill not being part of the system.

Turning the clocks back ten years, the town of Catskill and the county were in the exact same position following conclusions made by a special Task Force formed to study ailing ambulance service.

The issues then were the same as now for municipally-run units; steadily rising costs, staff shortages and stress on employees forced to work as many as 80 hours weekly to make ends meet.

It was determined, after months of research and debate, that a county system made sense on every level, and it appeared it would happen.

Catskill, however, pulled out at the eleventh hour, a major blow since they have the greatest call volume. It was believed their absence would not allow a unified system to succeed, financially and logistically.

Catskill was not alone in saying no. The town of Ashland, another key player, likewise bowed out. The plan died on the vine.

Ten years later, the mindset might be different. Ten years ago, lawmakers apparently didn’t want to ruffle feathers, politically and otherwise, leaving the decision-making up to the towns.

That is apparently no longer the case. “The county will decide to do this or not,” Linger says, meaning lawmakers must ultimately approve the necessary spending, estimated at between $12-15 million.

A county system would financially appear as a budget line item assessed to taxpayers in every town, similar to roads, the sheriff’s department, etc.

“If Catskill wants to keep their own system, that’s up to them. If they do, they will pay twice. This has to be all or nothing,” Linger says.

Linger took some heat for saying basically the same thing some months ago, being interpreted by some town leaders that he wasn’t listening to their concerns about a unified service, eliminating municipal units.

Not true, Linger says, emphasizing that, “when Catskill pulled out from the Task Force plan, the rest of the dominoes fell from there.

“The only way we can get the best mileage out of this is on a countywide basis,” Linger says, gearing up for what could be a legislative floor fight surrounding upcoming voting on the funding.

Legislative leadership believes the votes are there, at the moment, to gain budget approval for the executive director and eventual shift to a county system, tentatively expected to roll out in 2027.

The proof will be in the proverbial pecuniary pudding and meanwhile, “our town’s stance is the same as it was from Day One,” McCullough says.

“If the county collectively comes up with a better system for our residents, and our employees are taken care of, we’re on board,” McCullough says.

Asked if Catskill would continue its own services if the county system is created, McCullough said, “that would be a hard sell to our residents.”

June has stated that Catskill intends to keep its own Certificate of Need (CON), allowing the squad to maintain private operations.

The county will be securing a separate CON which shouldn’t impact Catskill’s legal right to function but the writing is clearly on the wall.

There are four legislators in the Catskill district with thirteen lawmakers all tolled. A simple majority is reportedly needed to okay the county plan.

If the Catskill quartet vote “no” in a solid block, which is pure speculation at this point, the county plan could still be a go.

So In simplest terms, within the next 60 days, lawmakers will either be transforming the emergency services landscape…or doing what?

 

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LEGISLATURE STUFF - Transparency and Protection

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - In the spring of 2020, George Floyd died in the street while being arrested in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for allegedly passing off a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes.

The reverberations of Floyd’s death were felt worldwide, resulting in global protests and the murder conviction of police officer Derek Chauvin.

A month after Floyd was killed, then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered a statewide Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative. 

Law enforcement agencies, including the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and county government leaders, were directed to take part in “honest dialogue about the public safety needs of their community.”

A special committee was formed to, “promote community engagement to foster trust, fairness, and legitimacy, and to address any racial bias and disproportionate policing of communities of color,”

That committee submitted a lengthy report, and as part of public hearings on that report, a request was made for the sheriff’s office to use, “body/dash wireless cameras for transparency and accountability.”

“Cameras could be used to hold officers accountable for their actions and can also be a means to exonerate a law enforcement officer from false allegations,” the report stated.

Cameras were made Standard Operating Procedure in 2023 and must now be updated, according to sheriff Pete Kusminsky.

Toward that end, the Greene County Legislature recently approved a request from Kusminsky for the purchase of new cameras.

“Body cameras are suggested to be replaced every two years. The current body and car cameras are starting to fail and have hardware issues,” the resolution states.

“The current body camera company is not able to upgrade the technology

that will accurately depict what is occurring at a scene,” the resolution states, noting a different company, Axon, is able to do so.

Axon body cameras have, “the improved quality of nighttime video which is equal to what is actually seen by the deputy,” the resolution states.

Further, the Axon models, “come with built in GPS, allowing for real time location tracking of deputies who may be in need of backup.

“And Axon car cameras are equipped with license plate readers, expanding the department’s [capability] to every patrol vehicle on the road,” the resolution states.

The new cameras aren’t cheap, costing $650,218.88 which will paid evenly over a period of five years, starting with $130,043.17 this year, the resolution states.

“This technology has been fantastic,” Kusminsky said in a followup phone interview. “The new cameras will also improve the quality and method of transferring information for discovery for court proceedings.”

And also recently, lawmakers approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of upgraded firearms by the sheriff’s department.

Kusminsky, “has determined the extraordinary need for the acquisition of modernized duty weapons with the justification being the discontinuation of current Glock models carried by patrol,” the resolution states.

The State Division of Criminal Justice Services, “is actively encouraging agencies to change to 9mm duty guns with red dot sights,” the resolution states.

DCJS”s push to change is, “due to the results of FBI ballistic tests showing a higher accuracy standard of 9mm rounds, which decreases agency liability,” the resolution states.

Kusminsky has determined his department requires ninety-five Glock 9mm caliber handguns, available for $56,294.44 from Amchar Wholesale Inc., the resolution states.

As part of the deal, the sheriff’s office will be exchanging ninety-one used Glock 40 caliber handguns at $235 each, the resolution states.

That amounts to a credit of $21,385, dropping the net cost to $34,909.44,” the resolution states, saving a nice chunk of change.

Even better, the 34 G’s have already been reserved in an Emergency Services Equipment Fund, the resolution states.

And best of all, those monies were received from seizures conducted with the Drug Enforcement Agency and the United States Marshals, the resolution states, sparing we local mules of taxation.

“All the studies show the [Glock 9mm] have less recoil so it is easier for an officer to come back on target,” Kusminsky said, noting the department is “still looking for additional Corrections Officers,” at the county jail, while being at “full strength” on road patrols.

 

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Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. As always this is the sign that fall weather is around the corner. The town of Windham was buzzing with activity, and everyone was enjoying the shops and restaurants and enjoying all that the town offers. 

In keeping with updating veterans with helpful information, I bring you information regarding the PACT Act Implementation Update.

In accordance with Section 507 of the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-168), VA requested that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) conduct a study on potential links between military toxic exposures and mental, behavioral, and neurological health conditions, and chronic multisymptom illness.

The resulting consensus study report indicates possible relationship association between 24 pairs of toxic exposures and health outcomes out of 135 pairs. The study focused on veterans deployed to the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001, assessing nine categories of exposures and 14 health outcomes. 

Locally, this past week the VFW lost one of our NY State Commanders, Harold Burke, Jr. The VFW held a chapel service in his honor at the Bond Funeral Home in Schenectady with burial with full military honors at the Gerald B H Soloman Saratoga National Cemetery. He was very much a mentor to me when I was District Commander. 

The Medal of Honor has achieved prominence in American history like few other awards have. It’s a symbol for the very values its recipients displayed in the moments that mattered, an honor bestowed upon only the most honorable.

But before it garnered such distinction, it started as a simple idea from Iowa Senator James W. Grimes—a bill authorizing the production and distribution of “medals of honor” to be presented to enlisted seamen and marines who “distinguish themselves by gallantry in action and other seamanlike qualities” during the American Civil War.

Since then, the Medal has undergone numerous legislative, design and presentation changes while still retaining what makes it truly special—its status as the United States' highest award for military valor in action. 

The significance of the Medal of Honor is that it is the United States' highest military award for valor, presented by the President in the name of Congress to service members who exhibit extraordinary heroism and self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty in combat.

It is a symbol of supreme courage, integrity, patriotism, and sacrifice, commemorating the individuals who have shaped American history through their extraordinary acts of gallantry in the face of grave danger. 

The medal also serves to inspire future generations by reminding them of the exceptional valor and commitment displayed by its recipients and by honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by many service members. 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency did not announce any new identifications or burial updates this week. Accordingly, I will bring you one of America’s Medal of Honor recipients.

I am going back to the Civil War to bring you Mary Edwards Walker. She served as a Contract Surgeon in the US Army 1861-1864. 

Her citation reads: Whereas it appears from official reports that Dr. Mary E. Walker, a graduate of medicine, "has rendered valuable service to the Government, and her efforts have been earnest and untiring in a variety of ways," and that she was assigned to duty and served as an assistant surgeon in charge of female prisoners at Louisville, Ky., upon the recommendation of Maj. Gens. Sherman and Thomas, and faithfully served as contract surgeon in the service of the United States, and has devoted herself with much patriotic zeal to the sick and wounded soldiers, both in the field and hospitals, to the detriment of her own health, and has also endured hardships as a prisoner of war four months in a Southern prison while acting as contract surgeon;

And whereas by reason of her not being a commissioned officer in the military service, a brevet or honorary rank cannot, under existing laws, be conferred upon her;

And whereas in the opinion of the President an honorable recognition of her services and sufferings should be made; It is ordered, that a testimonial thereof shall be hereby made and given to the said Dr. Mary E. Walker, and that the usual Medal of Honor for meritorious services be given her. 

Given under my hand in the city of Washington, D.C., this 11th day of November, A.D. 1865. ~ Andrew Johnson. Note: Presentation date and details : November 11, 1865, Walker’s Medal of Honor was rescinded following the 1916-1917 review of Army MOH awards as she was a civilian at the time of her valor; she was restored to the Medal of Honor roll in 1977. 

These are extraordinary people that have performed these acts of heroism throughout our history. May God bless all who served our country and those still serving safe and God Bless America. 

Marc Farmilette, PDC – VFW Post 1545 Commander

     Mary Edwards Walker   

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The Greene County Murders Episode 10 - The Murderer

Esther Cohen

For the first time in 71 years, Beulah struggled, she really struggled, with sleep. She was the pajama type – practical, washable, always the same light blue. Once many years ago someone at school – her Secret Santa – a ritual she detested but was forced to do, gave her pink pajamas. She immediately drove them to Goodwill. Even as a child, nightgowns never seemed appropriate. Too loose. Too free. Of course she had her daily bedtime rituals: turn off the lights, drink a glass of water (hydration seemed another necessary evil), and then, teeth rituals involving brushing, flossing, and her water pik. She didn’t want to enter heaven if heaven even existed with false teeth that looked like piano keys.

Lately though, because she couldn’t rid herself of the obsession to figure out who killed Delores, she just couldn’t sleep. She’d lie down on her neatly made bed, white percale sheets, two pillows never three, with a book by her bed. After all these years she still had Jane Austen by her bed. Pride and Prejudice. She believed it was necessary to have a book by her bed. Even if she’d read it years ago.

She kept her notebook on the bed next to her pillow, just in case. And three blue ink BIC pens. She’d write the word SUSPECTS on the top of the pages, and then, she’d write Every Single Thing She Knew about every person she’d talked to: Delores’s relatives who all seemed to love her, (her children, her cousins, even her crazy evangelical uncle and aunt in a trailer park in Alabama). She had a separate notebook for lover Jim, who was well-liked too. People said he was a kind man, musical, generous, a good dancer, even-tempered. She drove down to Kingston one day to the bridge across the Hudson that Jim worked on for years, and every single person she talked to said a version of the very same thing: Jim was a Good Guy. And then, there was the question of Jim’s wife Emily. Could he have truly been a good guy if he was in love with Delores? Had Delores been one of many? And had any of Jim’s other girlfriends been found dead?

Beulah did not consider herself a feminist, really. True she’d never been married, but she always felt the reason was circumstantial. Her dating experiences had been slight, although there was a man she’d met in her forties, a man named Tim. He’d come to give a lecture at her school on Nutrition, and although that subject didn’t interest her in the least, she found herself drawn to Tim – not at all because of what he said about vegetables and fruits, but because he had a look in his eye, familiar and unfamiliar both, that caused her to walk up to him afterwards and tell him, awkwardly of course, how fascinating his talk had been.

He looked as surprised as she was, and asked, a minute or two later, after they’d discussed the useful properties of broccoli, that they meet for tea in three days time. Tea led to four months of weekly meetings between them – something neither one of them had ever done before. Sometimes they’d eat dinner at a local pizza tavern, but mostly they’d meet for tea. Beulah became accustomed to their meetings. She even liked them. They allowed her to fantasize about what it would be like if she invited him home.

She never did. One day he told her that he couldn’t handle relationships – he explained his emotional problems, his fear of closeness and connection, and he told her that if anything should ever change, he would absolutely find her again. Part of her still waited.

Oddly, she wondered now if Tim had known Delores – a woman accepting of people with problems, people with differences. A woman who could love absolutely everyone. Wouldn’t it be an odd and unlikely coincidence if the two of them were connected? Could quiet humble Tim have somehow been the killer? Seemed wildly unlikely. But maybe all murders were.

 

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