Another successful Holiday Weekend gone. We have been so lucky this year to have decent skiing weather on weekends since November. So much of our economy depends on the weekend visitors. We also had a very busy weekend with activities for us locals. I had a hard time fitting in all I had to do. We started on Friday when Albin and John took their lovely wives out for lunch and invited me and Louise McRoberts.
I picked up Janet Mower, and we all met at the Jewett Nutrition Center, with a total of 15 attending. Homemade turkey soup, a complete turkey dinner and strawberry cream pie for dessert. Gail and staff do a wonderful job making everyone feel welcome. We all had special Valentine napkins, and goodie bags of candy to take home.
Opal did the food run for us that evening, as she took Mary Aull to Tannersville for the HTC Italian Dinner fundraiser, then to Lexington for the chicken barbecue at the UMC. Saturday I celebrated Nellis’ birthday with her by going out to breakfast. Her daughter gave her a gift for Nellis and a friend at the Albergo Allegria. I had not been in the building for at least 50 years. What wonderful food. They are open as a Bed and Breakfast, but also have a public dining room. We then had food pantry, and a run up to the Greek Church of the Assumption for their everything sale. Sunday morning was church services, then breakfast at the Windham VFW, all you can eat, good food and good fellowship. I then went to Bible Study to which we usually bring food. Not this week. I think I’m ready for a good long rest. At least I won’t have to cook for awhile.
Time is running out to call Opal at 518-750-8380 to confirm your spot at the WAJ Senior Citizen “Dinner Theater” on March 5. The buffet will start at 5 p.m., with the production of “HONK” starting at 6 p.m. The play is a musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson tale “The Ugly Duckling.” We want to especially thank all of the sponsoring restaurants who provide food for us. A reminder, this production is for all Senior Citizens of the Windham Ashland Jewett Central School district, not just members of WAJPL Golden Age Club. It’s a recognition of the school district Senior residents.
Prattsville Hose Company will be holding a roast pork dinner at the new Community Hall at the new Fire House on April 11. All the fixin’s, all you can eat — only $12 for adults.
Special anniversary wishes go to Gordon and Kay Spaulding who will celebrate their 74th on Feb. 23. They graduated from WAJ in the Class of 1944 and celebrated their 75th Alumni anniversary last year. Happy birthday wishes to Sonja and Walter Anderson. How did my kids get so old???
A note from Dena Lawrence of Jewett: Could you ask your readers if anyone has leftover acrylic yarn that they do not want that they would be willing to donate to the volunteers who make lap robes for the veterans? The price of yarn has gone up so that the cost of a 4’ x 4’ lap robe is now over $10. Maybe they could give it to you (Lula) or leave it at the Jewett Nutrition Center, or you could give me their information and I could arrange to meet them somewhere.
Another reader commented: Your recent columns about winter reminded me of the duties of my grandmother, Bess Spencer, who was an observer for the Weather Service. A rain gauge in the center of her side yard (the little house directly across from The Quads on Route 23) collected rainfall which “Nanny” measured and reported to the Weather Service. In the winter, snow depth reports would likewise be passed along. Because the snow could have different density depending upon conditions (light and fluffy or wet and “packy”), she would melt the container of snow on the stove and measure a second time to determine the depth of the melted snow.
I remember, too, my Dad’s stories of taking his sister (my Aunt Betty) to work as a telephone operator in Catskill before she learned to drive. He groused often about the memory of trips up and down the mountain to to deliver and retrieve her when the weather was bad.
Nanny had a space heater in the dining room and the stovepipe passed through the upstairs bedroom that my brother and I shared on our visits there. Its warmth supplemented the heat which rose through the vent from the kitchen along with the happy laughter of late night pinochle games and grownup jokes that they didn’t know we heard.
The Annual Kids Fishing Derby was held last Saturday at Rip Van Winkle Lake in Tannersville. 50 or so enjoyed the day fishing, with hot chocolate and hot dogs. It was a cold blustery day, but no one seemed to mind it — except the fish.
COMING EVENTS
March 5 WAJ Drama Club Dinner Theater for senior citizens of WAJCS district. Starts at 5 p.m., call Opal at 518-750-8380.
March 6-8 WAJ production “HONK.”
March 21 All you can eat breakfast Ashland Church at the Ashland Town Hall 7-11 a.m.
March 31 Ecumenical Stations of the Cross Ashland Church 11 a.m. covered dish.
April 11 Pork dinner Prattsville Fire House $12.
AS I REMEMBER IT
Last week I ended my memory walk at the Race Way which was just before the Lumber Yard. At the time, it was Welch and Gray, not GNH as today. But, they were, also. located at the edge of the stream, so were at the mercy of rising water and floods. The water still roars past there.
Go down the road a piece, and on the other side is Hickory Hill. Years ago, the only farm was at the top, the VanValkenburgs. Dot and her sister Lillian, went to WAJ, and had to walk all the way down to meet the bus, regardless of the weather. On the corner was the Kelly residence. Rowenna, the daughter, married a Benjamin. Going past the corner, to Main Street were the Brocketts. Marilla, the daughter, 4 foot tall and a ball of fire, was the secretary and clerk for local attorney Maurice Sullivan. They raised bees, and made and sold honey. Next was John Howard’s house. Many remember when the Earnest VanValin family had the the landscaping and nursery. The lovely Victorian House can be seen on the hill behind the Country Store and restaurant. Haner’s Veterinary practice was next in line. This was replaced by Glen Benjamin’s, the Fish Market, and restaurant, and the bank. Now empty. Merrill and Mildred Austin lived on the hill next door. How I miss the old entry to town. We knew everyone, and about everyone. Kay Spaulding is enjoying my memories as it brings to mind her life in Windham. Hopefully, I will continue next time on my journey through the past.