Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

This past weekend, our Post held a Tag Day at routes 23 & 296 and we’re deeply grateful to all who stopped by and donated.

Your generosity helps us continue our mission of service. With the funds raised, we proudly support the Stratton VA Food Pantry, Tunnels to Towers, the VFW Volunteer Service Officers, and our Post Building Fund.

A special thank-you goes out to the Mountaintop Marine Corps Detachment for inviting us to their Marine Corps Birthday Ball in East Durham. It was a wonderful evening celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Earlier that day, we were honored by the students at Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School, who presented an inspiring program on patriotism. 

Each veteran in attendance received a large envelope filled with heartfelt letters from the students, thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

This Veterans Day, we pause to honor all who have worn the uniform—both living and deceased. God bless you all, and to my comrades at VFW Post 1545—a special group I proudly call my heroes.

Join us this weekend for our Post’s Pancake Breakfast! We’ll be serving pancakes, bacon, sausage, juice, and coffee. Come enjoy a great breakfast and stay for the Veterans Day Raffle Drawing at 12 noon. Cost: Goodwill offering. We hope to see you there!.

News regarding veterans from the VFW Washington Office, Executive Director Ryan Gallucci participated in a roundtable led by House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano and attended by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

The roundtable focused on the current and future state of veterans benefits. Gallucci stressed the VFW’s message to “Honor the Contract” between service members and the federal government.

Veterans were willing to risk their lives in defense of our nation, and in return the government must uphold its promise to care for those injured or made ill by that service.

Amid growing scrutiny of VA’s disability compensation system, he emphasized that protecting its integrity starts with honoring the fundamental contract.

On the latest episode of#StillServing: The VFW Podcast, host Rob Couture is joined by Executive Director Ryan Gallucci, National Legislative Service Director Kristina Keenan, and National Veterans Service Director Mike Figlioli from the VFW Washington Office to discuss the Washington Post’s latest coverage of veterans’ benefits and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The team addresses a recent series of articles that, they argue, mischaracterize how veterans access the benefits they’ve earned — including claims that veterans are “flooding the system” or abusing disability compensation. 

Tune in to episode 53, “Absurdly Generous AND Dubious,” on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on the VFW’s YouTube channel.

In keeping with the Marine Corp’s 250th birthday, this week I bring you  Corporal Lewes K. Bausell, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division received the Congressional Medal of Honor for action on the Island of Peleliu Island on September 15, 1944. 

His citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 15 September 1944.

Valiantly placing himself at the head of his squad, Cpl. Bausell led the charge forward against a hostile pillbox which was covering a vital sector of the beach and, as the first to reach the emplacement, immediately started firing his automatic into the aperture while the remainder of his men closed in on the enemy.

Swift to act, as a Japanese grenade was hurled into their midst, Cpl. Bausell threw himself on the deadly weapon, taking the full blast of the explosion and sacrificing his own life to save his men. 

His unwavering loyalty and inspiring courage reflect the highest credit upon Cpl. Bausell and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. 

As the weather turns towards winter and we see flurries coming down, I hope we all take care driving this winter season.

I want to thank everyone who came and thanked me for my service this past week. Remember to keep all who served and those still serving in your thoughts and prayers. God Bless America. 

Marc Farmilette, PDC ~ Commander VFW Post 1545.

Lewis K. Bausell, Medal of Honor recipient

 

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY = Sharing and Remembering

 

Remembering veteran Richard Banks and his Korean War era compatriots.

 

Among the many dedicated Windham Community Food Pantry volunteers are John O’Brien and Rosemary Weiss.

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - It seems appropriate to shift gears, this week, getting the word out about the Windham Community Food Pantry and Korean War era veteran Richard Banks with a few of his area compatriots.

Folks at the Food Pantry are hosting a free food giveaway on Thursday, November 20, through a grant provided by the Windham Foundation, welcoming all mountaintop residents.

The neighborly event runs from 3-6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Windham Community Food Pantry, at Hope Restoration Church, along Route 296 between Windham and Hensonville.

“In an effort to assist with the food insecurity issue, the two organizations have joined forces to assist in the effort to feed those in need on the mountaintop,” Food Pantry volunteer Anne Jakubowski says.

“We’ll be providing chicken, beef, milk, bread, eggs and miscellaneous canned goods. If the weather is bad, we’ll move inside.

“We are very thankful to the Windham Foundation for their generosity,” Jakubowski says, noting food is being purchased through Jim’s Great American in the town of Prattsville.

The sharing comes in the wake of a $1,000 donation to the Food Pantry from St. Theresa's Church Women’s Guild, in Windham.

And the November 20 giveaway has been accompanied by the distribution of 150 turkeys for the holiday season, replacing the annual Thanksgiving luncheon at Hope Restoration Church.

“We believe that, especially this year, it is more important to give people and families the turkey rather than a onetime meal,” Jakubowski said.

********

In the town of Lexington, 91-year-old Lois Banks and her great grandson Zachary Wolny have been busy digging through the family archives.

They came upon an old newspaper clipping dating back to 1951 and the Korean War era, showing Greene County inductees into the U.S. Army.

Those soldiers included Richard Banks who was no stranger to Lois, who in 1951 was still a Jenkins, a sister to the late Leo Jenkins, which makes her somehow related to current town councilman Brad Jenkins.

Following the family dots, Lois also was close friends with Richard’s sister, Jeanette, who married Kenneth Becker, the longtime Lexington town supervisor and namesake of the town’s municipal hall/firehouse.

Richard and Lois got married after he honorably served his two-year military stint. He was a stonemason and worked in construction.

Lois was in banking, moving to Albany for a bit - “I hated it there,” she says,  -  before returning to the mountains and the National Bank of Windham.

The couple lived above the Miller Brothers Store for a while, finally settling in North Lexington, Lois’ hometown and where her heart always resides.

“I have all of Richard’s medals,” Lois says. “I want to share the newspaper photograph because people may know some of the other men.”

There are many ways to remember veterans, including my WW II father, Patrick Ryan, and my big brother Dan, a Navyman who served on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Intrepid. 

And there is also a fine way to honor the wives of veterans. “I am very lucky to have my great grandmother,” says Zach. “She is always telling me stories about those days and my great grandfather.”

 

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Food Security Coalition Performs Food Feats

Goats saying “cheese” for the camera and helping produce 24,000 pounds of “extra” coagulated casein that was put to productive use by the Food Security Coalition.

Greene County Food Security Coalition is a network of food pantries, feeding agencies, local food producers, volunteers and community members such as (left to right) Charlotte Carter, Jonathan Gross, Isabella Kemp and Barbara Swanson.

By Michael Ryan

MOUNTAINTOP - Smiling and saying “cheese” for the camera is one thing, but finding a way to disseminate 24,000 pounds of coagulated casein in a hurry was quite another for the Greene County Food Security Coalition.

“It was astonishing,” says Jonathan Gross, a founding member of the Coalition, a network of food pantries, feeding agencies, local food producers, devoted volunteers and community members.

They are collectively, “dedicated to ensuring that every member of our community has access to healthy, nutritious food,“ their website states.

“Two-and-a-half years ago, Greene County food pantries were struggling with unprecedented increases in both community need and costs of food,” Gross said in a recent interview.

“Many of the pantries were working independently. In response to funding cuts and increased demand, a group of us recognized the need to share resources, improve communication and work cooperatively,” Gross said.

“We were approached by a woman who did this internationally. We set up a platform to talk to each other and all of a sudden it was working.

“That was the original model and we’re continuing to grow,” Gross said, noting the Coalition was officially formed in 2023.

It currently Includes multiple Greene County member pantries plus Feed HV, a nonprofit feeding agency, the Coalition website states.

“Our initial focus was on developing partnerships will local farmers, producers and agribusinesses,” the website states.

“We have established a “Field to Pantry” program, encouraging hunters to donate deer for processing by the Berkshire Hills Farm.

That effort, “doubled the amount of venison distributed to food pantries,” the website states. “ In 2024, Feed HV provided funding to purchase vegetables from Black Horse Farm. 

“This year, Feed HV funding will be used for group purchases of milk, meat and vegetables,” the website states.

And speaking of milk, the Coalition had to - and did- rise to the occasion when a fortuitous call came in from a local creamery.

“Hudson Creamery told us they had overproduced some goat cheese,” Gross said. “It’s a high source of protein so we were interested.

“We asked, ‘how much you got?’ They told us twelve tons. I swear to you, twelve tons,” Gross says, still incredulous at the preponderance.

“That’s a whole lot of cheese but we love the challenge and fortunately, we’re capable of mobilizing very quickly,” Gross said.

“The cheese was individually wrapped, if you can believe it. We gathered cars and pickup trucks and some local pantries had box trucks.

“We placed eight tons in a week-and-a-half, and then we found the Platte Clove community in Hunter where we were able to store a couple of tons.

“Lime Kiln Farm [in West Coxsackie] took a ton or so and the Hensonville Fire Department stored some, allowing us more time,” Gross said.

“We still had some left over so we decided to give it to ambulance workers, fire departments and even the county sheriff’s office.

“It was absolutely amazing. We even went to surrounding counties. It became a love fest of sharing,” Gross said.

Coalition literature states, “many of us expect to see further increases in food insecurity. Our networking and collaborative approach to sharing resources and developing partnerships with local farmers and food producers seems particularly timely as a strategy to address food insecurity.

“We are asking for support from our communities and elected officials to help build our network,” the Coalition states, listing contact info: Chris Braccia, cbraccia@hvadc.org (518) 223-9727, Charlotte Carter. coxsackieareafoodpantry@gmail.com and Jonathan Gross. jonathangross25@gmail.com  (914) 523 3766.

 

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Bobcats Growling and Growing for Different Glory

Don’t try to convince Bobcats players their fans and mascot (Jade Ryan undercover) aren’t the best in the galaxy.

 

 

A couple of Windham kids, Reese Rusin and Albert Chase (white jerseys, left to right), hone in on the soccer ball as an opponent does the same in the spirit of competition and fellowship.

 

The Bobcats homeschool soccer team recently concluded its second season, including mountaintop and valley boys and girls, organized and coached by Andrew and Grace Houle.

By Michael Ryan

MAPLECREST - When the local homeschool soccer team suits up, they are playing for a different glory than mere victory gives.

Make no mistake. The co-ed C4 Bobcats, recently concluding their second season, would rejoice, putting one in the “W” column, going 0-4 last year while earning a duo of ties in six tries in 2025.

But it isn’t mollycoddling to say their reason for playing goes deeper than the final score, a story told by Pastor Charmaine Rusin from Living Faith Community Church in Maplecrest, a hamlet in the town of Windham.

“While the soccer season had come to an end for the local school league, one mountaintop team remained on the green, hopefully “heading” for their first win of the season,” Pastor Rusin states (pun intended). 

“The C4 Bobcats, a lesser-known squad, has adopted C.D. Lane Park as their home practice field, though they regularly travel over an hour to face opponents such as the Upton Lake Eagles and the Thrive Thunder” in neighboring or more distant counties.

“Who are these fantastically named organizations and when did they get here, you ask?” the Pastor states.

“C4 may sound like an explosive team, but their name is actually derived from the local homeschool co-op to which all of the players belong.  

“Meeting in two different churches (Mitchell Hollow Mission in Windham and Discover Life in Prattsville), C4 is named for its core values: Christ-centered, community, commitment and cooperation,” the Pastor states

“Starting a team from scratch and finding opponents who are willing to play outside of any official league umbrella has been a passion project for Catskill residents and coaching couple Andrew and Grace Houle, homeschool parents of four highly gifted athletes.

“Why would a homeschool group go through all the trouble to start their own team rather than just join the local school team?” the Pastor asks.

“If you hail from any other state than New York or Oklahoma, you may be especially curious about this, but most New Yorkers are unaware of the laws excluding homeschoolers from public school activities.

“Homeschooling in New York calls for the kind of “forward” momentum exemplified in the Houles and their dedicated dribblers,” the Pastor states.

“New York State is one of only two that prohibit homeschool students from participating in or benefiting from public school activities and resources, legally termed “public school access.” 

“New York State also boasts the most demanding homeschool regulations in the country, alongside California,” the Pastor states.

“While rural school coaches throughout New York are experiencing the varsity blues, facing increasingly sparse rosters and tense district mergers, we can only wonder - who are these laws helping or protecting?

“We may wish to go back in time and deliver a “red card” to the politicians who drove these regs to the end line,” Pastor Rusin states, referring to a player expulsion penalty card used by soccer referees.

“But it is more profitable for us to find solutions, as the Houles have done with the burgeoning Bobcats (age 10-17) whose up-and-coming 6-10 year-old “Bobkittens” are training to strike for the goal in the coming years.”

The Houles have put legalities in their rearview mirror, not waiting for State government officials to enact legislation, allowing the crossover.

“We have looked into it a little bit but unless the rules are changed, there’s nothing we can do about it so we’re moving forward,” Andrew Houle says.

“And quite honestly, and I’m not saying this because we have no wins, we  put this team together as an opportunity for personal growth. There is an important Faith side to it.

“We’re a Christian co-op going by Colossians 3:23 which says, ’whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability and unto the Lord,’” Houle says.

The Bobcats field youngsters from throughout Greene County including Claire & Sadie Corbett, Kallen Moser, Jayden, Izzy & Tim Houle, William Sam & Albert Chase, Sarai Olmstead, Faye Centeno, Reese & Bryson Rusin, Blaise Rogers, Maksim Clark and Nathan Miles.

“We run the gamut, as far as the kids,” Houle says. “There are some with no soccer background but some of these kids are returning from last year so you can see the difference. We have a great time.”

Above and beyond what happens on the pitch, “home school has its advantages,” Pastor Rusin says. “Each family reports to the State.

“New York is one of the most highly regulated in the country. Certain subjects are required but a faith-based curriculum can be chosen.

“The hope and goal is the kids will become self-driven,” the Pastor says, being able to earn college credits as soon as 14 years old.

“These kids don’t require a lot of steering. There is a lot of time for creative outlet, deep dives into specific interests. And mainly,” Pastor Rusin says, smiling, “I love being with my kids.”

 

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Out Lexington Way

Congratulations to Lieutenant Commander Dr. Stefano Palazzolo on his promotion to Commander on Nov. 8 at Walter Reed Hospital in Maryland.  Family attending were left to right -- mother-in-law Donna, wife Catie, Lieutenant Commander Dr. Stefano Palazzolo, mother and father Mary and Steve Palazzolo. Contributed photo

By Christine Dwon

Lieutenant Commander Dr. Stefano Palazzolo was promoted to Commander on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Walter Reed Hospital in Maryland where he works mentoring dentists doing their periodontal training.  The ceremony was attended by his wife Catie, mother and father Mary and Steve Palazzolo and mother-in-law Donna, coworkers and his fellow officers. Congratulations to Lieutenant Commander Dr. Stefano Palazzolo!

Congratulations to the Hunter-Tannersville CSD Drama Club on the performances Nov. 8 and Nov. 9,  of Disney The Aristocats Kids, directed by Winnie Li and Annie Jr., directed by Kadyn Maul.  The plays were choreographed by Brooke Becker and musically directed by Abigail Dwon.  The directors, the talented performers, the crews all did a fantastic job.

Thanksgiving Meal Kits for 2025 are available for anyone in our Mountain Top Community.  All requests must be in by Nov. 17.  Kits include one frozen turkey, two canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pie.  Pick up Nov. 24, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Haines Falls Firehouse.  Nov. 24 delivery is available.  Contact Amber Renner at 518-821-7198 or Antoinette Fischer at 518-821-9190.  Kits are sponsored in part by the Hunter Foundation, The Platte Cove Community, HTC Community Families and Mrs. Puddle Ducks.

Happy birthday to Judy Visich on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Friday, Nov. 14 is Mary and Ronnie Cline’s wedding anniversary.

Carol Herdman celebrates her birthday on Saturday, Nov. 15.

Also celebrating a birthday on Nov. 15 is Debbie Wandursky.

Monday, Nov. 17 is Roger Staley’s birthday.

Glenda Lauten’s birthday is Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Susan Epstein also celebrates her birthday on Nov. 19.

Thursday, Nov. 20 is Jim Milton’s birthday.

Best wishes to everyone.

Change of date for the Lexington/West Kill Administrative Council meeting.  Meeting is now scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 4:30 p.m. in the church hall.

The Greene County Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 is as follows:  Monday—Macaroni and cheese, three-bean salad, stewed tomatoes, tropical fruit; Tuesday—Baked cod in butter and caper sauce, California vegetable medley, rice pilaf, pears; Wednesday--Chicken and biscuits, broccoli, mashed potatoes, peaches; Thursday—Thanksgiving Dinner—Roast turkey with gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, squash, stuffing, pumpkin pie with whipped topping; Friday—Chef’s Choice.   All persons 60 and older 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.  The number to call for the Senior Service Center at the Jewett Municipal Building, 3547 County Route 23C, Jewett is 518-263-4392. 

A representative from Greene County Department of Human Services will be available with information and for questions on Medicare at the Jewett Senior Service Center, 11:45 a.m. on Nov. 25 and Dec. 30.  If you would like to stay for lunch, please call at least a day in advance, 518-263-4392.  Lunch is served at noon and open to all Greene County residents age 60 and older.  Suggested donation is $4 per meal.

The Windham Business Community is sponsoring Thanksgiving Dinner for senior citizens at the VFW, 5565 NY 23, Windham on Thursday, Nov. 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Availability is limited so please RSVP by calling Samerna Rion at 518-965-4512 or at the Windham Community Center.  A big thank you to the Windham Community Center, the VFW, our volunteers and the Windham Business Community for helping make this Thanksgiving Dinner possible.

There will be a Tree Lighting, Sunday Nov. 30 at the Ashland Community UMC, 12216 Route 23, Ashland, at 5 p.m.  Come sing carols and enjoy hot cocoa.

Mark your calendars for the Annual Holiday Market that will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29 in the West Kill/Lexington Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road, West Kill from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Do your holiday shopping and while there, stop by the Ladies Aid of the West Kill UMC table for their bake sale and the Lexington Historical Society will have their delicious soups for sale.

There will be a breakfast to benefit the Ashland Fire Department’s 100th year anniversary and the 138th Greene County Volunteer Firemen’s Association convention hosted by the Ashland Fire Department in September 2026.  The breakfast will be Saturday, Dec. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 12094 State Route 23, Ashland.  Eat in or takeout, free will offering.  Menu includes eggs, sausage, bacon, home fries, toast, pancakes, french toast, biscuits and gravy or grilled breakfast sandwich with egg, bacon or sausage, American cheese and side of home fries.  Real maple syrup, coffee, juice, tea and hot chocolate too.  There will be a 50/50 raffle, bake sale and Convention merch.  Call Diane for information at 518-734-3636.

Saturday, Dec. 6 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. is the Annual Charge Conference for the Mountain Top UMC Parish at the Lexington/West Kill UMC, Lexington.

The Windham-Hensonville UMC, Main Street, Windham is holding their annual Christmas Tea and Craft Sale on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Santa arrives at 2 p.m.!

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Sing at the flagpole in West Kill will be Saturday, Dec. 6.  Meet at the Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road at 5 p.m. to walk or drive down to the tree. Rumor has it that a very special guest will be arriving on a fire truck. After the tree lighting ceremony, its back to the Community Hall for light refreshments and visiting with Santa.

Help feed local families.  The Tannersville Food Pantry, which is a mission of the Kaaterskill and East Jewett UM churches, is asking for your help in donating non-perishable food and oral care items, Chunky Soups, beef stew, Spaghetti-O’s, pasta, cereal, canned vegetables, beans.  Food donations may be brought Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tannersville Village Hall, One Park Place, Tannersville.  You may also send a donation to Kaaterskill UMC, POB 225, Tannersville, NY 12485.

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 safe, be respectful to others and please be kind to one another.  Your act of kindness may change someone’s life.

 

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