Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

Happy First Day of Summer – June 20!

The annual Chicken BBQ was held on June 14 hosted by the West Kill/Lexington Community Improvement Association at the Community Hall in West Kill.  These fundraisers for the WKLCIA would not be a success without the dedication and hard work of everyone involved and all who come to support these events.  Thank you. 

The Town of Lexington Fire/Rescue Company participated in the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association Convention and Dress Parade on June 14 in Lake George.  Looking good, Lexington! Thank you to all the heroes who protect and serve.

Lexington Farmers Market will be Saturday, June 21 under the pavilion at the Lexington Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Come and check out the wonderful variety of vendors with all kinds of produce, eggs, meats, jams and much more.

Happy birthday to Kathy Jordan on Saturday, June 21.

Monday, June 23 is Margaret Lawrence’s birthday.

Linda and Craig Benjamin celebrate their wedding anniversary on Thursday, June 26.

Best wishes to everyone.

Vet2Vet Breakfast is Sunday, June 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Red Rooster, Cairo.  Free to Veterans and families.  Call 518-943-3703; veterans@greenecountyny.gov.

Tuesday, June 24 is the next Fellowship Lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Blue Room at the Kaaterskill UMC, Tannersville.  As always, a delicious meal for free.  So come and enjoy the fellowship.  All welcomed.

You are invited to a Bible Study, Wednesday, June 18,  11 a.m., at the Lexington-West Kill UMC, 54 County Route 13A, Lexington for a study on the Introduction to Galatians.  Books will be provided.  The study is being led by Susan Simpfenderfer.

On Thursday, June 26 at the Jewett Senior Center, 3547 County Route 23C, Jewett, there will be a program by the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, “Caring for You Every Step of the Way.”  This is a personalized medication consultation.  Bring your current list of medications from your pharmacy or your medical records (and/or script bottles) and a list of all over-the-counter (OTC) and supplements with dosage information (bring bottles).  Contact Greene County Department of Human Services to attend at 518-719-3555. 

The Kaaterskill UMC Thrift Shop, 7889 Main Street, Hunter is open on Tuesdays, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays, noon to 3 p.m.  Donations are welcome when the shop is open. 

The Zadock Pratt Museum, Main Street, Prattsville, is hosting Master Gardeners with Cornell Cooperative Extension on Saturday, June 28 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Learn about the history of gardening, maps of historical gardens to visit in Greene County and take home flower seeds.  There will also be light refreshments.

The Windham-Hensonville UMC will be holding a Silent Auction on Saturday, July 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 5345 State Route 23, Main Street, Windham.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Thunder in the Mountains Car Show hosted by the West Kill/Lexington Community Improvement Association on Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Lexington Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington.  There will be trophies, 50/50 raffle, gift baskets raffle, food and beverages.  If you have questions or wish to pre-register, call Mary at 518-989-6813. Proceeds benefit the WKLCIA.

The Greene County Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of June 23 – June 27 is as follows:  Monday–Sweet and sour chicken, oriental mixed vegetables, white rice, peaches; Tuesday—Stuffed shells with sausage, Italian mixed vegetables, cookies with applesauce; Wednesday—French onion pork chops, green beans, egg noodles, rice pudding with raisins; Thursday—Kielbasa with sauerkraut (served with bun with gluten), carrots, baked beans, mixed berry tart; Friday—Shrimp Scampi, tossed salad, spinach, linguini, fresh fruit.  All persons 60 and over and spouses are invited to attend.  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.

 

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Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Flag Day ceremony. We respectfully retired the worn and tattered flags that were collected from our front porch and the Windham Post Office. 

While it seemed there were fewer flags than in past years, the ceremony was no less meaningful. A special thank you to the Windham Hose Co. #1 for being on site to ensure safety, and to the Leto family for their help and support.

I’d also like to address an important matter concerning our veterans and their earned benefits. Veterans should never go into debt to access the benefits they’ve earned through service to our country. 

Unfortunately, H.R. 3132, the CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025, as currently written, would allow companies to charge veterans fees based on future benefits—potentially putting them into debt before they’ve received a single dollar.

The VFW has serious concerns about this bill. While we appreciate that the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs consulted us and included some safeguards, the fee structure remains a poison pill.

This legislation, if passed, would open the door for predatory companies—so-called "Claim Sharks"—to profit from our veterans under the guise of helping them.

This is a blatant cash grab, and we urge our legislators in the House to vote NO on H.R. 3132. Veterans should never have to pay for help accessing their service-connected benefits.

If you're a veteran needing help with filing a claim, please contact me directly at vfwpost1545@gmail.com. I will connect you with an accredited VA service officer who can assist you free of charge.

In closing, I’d like to share a personal reflection. With everything happening in the world and across our country, it’s hard to make sense of all the division we see on the news.

What happened to peaceful protests where no one gets hurt? From antisemitic demonstrations to anti-immigration and political unrest, it feels like truth is harder to find than ever.

I remember being ten years old, riding my bike to play baseball or swim in the brook. Life was simpler then. It would be nice if people could just get along—if we could come together instead of tearing each other apart.

Still, there are bright spots. We recently celebrated the U.S. Army’s birthday with a great parade, honoring our Army and all the brave men and women who serve—soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines alike.

Patriotism is alive and well. Our town will proudly hold its Independence Day parade on July 4th, and I hope to see many of you there.

Let’s not forget what brings us together as Americans.

This week the information regarding U.S. Army Sgt. Howard L. Hasselkus, 24, of Elmore, Ohio, who was captured and died as a prisoner of war during World War II, was accounted for Sept. 23, 2024. In late 1941, Hasselkus was a member of the 192nd Tank Battalion when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands in December. Intense fighting continued until the surrender of the Bataan peninsula on April 9, 1942, and of Corregidor Island on May 6, 1942. Thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members were captured and interned at POW camps. Hasselkus was among those reported captured when U.S. forces in Bataan surrendered to the Japanese. They were subjected to the 65-mile Bataan Death March and then held at the Cabanatuan POW Camp #1. More than 2,500 POWs perished in this camp during the war.

According to prison camp and other historical records, Hasselkus died Nov. 22, 1942, and was buried along with other deceased prisoners in the local Cabanatuan Camp Cemetery in Common Grave 807. In 2018, as part of the Cabanatuan Project, DPAA exhumed the remains associated with Common Grave 807 and sent them to the DPAA laboratory for analysis.

Although interred as an Unknown in MACM, Hasselkus’s grave was meticulously cared for over the past 70 years by the American Battle Monuments Commission. Today, Hasselkus is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. Hasselkus will be buried in his hometown in August 2025. Keep all who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms in your thoughts and prayers along with those still serving our country. God Bless America. 

Marc Farmilette, PDC – Commander VFW Post 1545

The Members of Post 1545. Windham Hose Co, #1 & the Leto family.

 

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Project Benefits Windham Community Food Pantry

Windham Community Food Pantry at Hope Restoration Church was the benefactor of an AP with Me Service Project organized by Windham-Ashland-Jewett school sophomores Olivia Storms and Jack Lonecke. On hand for the delivery of 500 food items, last week, were Food Pantry managers Doug Grauer (far left) and Shari Grauer (far right) with students Olivia Storms and Jack Lonecke.

WINDHAM - The Windham Community Food Pantry would like to thank two Windham-Ashland-Jewett school sophomores for their AP with ME Service Project benefiting the Windham Community Food Pantry.

Collecting over 500 items of non-perishable items to donate to the pantry, the 10th grade students, Olivia Storms and Jack Lonecke, came up with the idea in their AP World History Class taught by  Laura Giarusso.

“Jack and I wanted to take on a project that would help with the food insecurity issue we have been discussing in our class,” Olivia said.

“A food drive for the food pantry was something we knew could make a difference locally” Jack said.

Olivia and Jack created a contest the whole school could participate in.  The winning class, 1st graders with teachers Ms. Lashua and Ms. Ray, collected over 100 items in just one week.

The First Grade class will now be treated to an ice cream party. Olivia and Jack  thank their teacher, Laura Giarusso and Sean O’Connor, Head of Food Services at WAJ, for their help. 

Speaking on behalf of the Windham Community Food Pantry, managers Doug and Shari Grauer said, “we are so impressed by what Olivia and Jack were able to accomplish and for their desire to help the local community. 

“It’s wonderful to see young people take an interest in helping others.”  The WCFP provides groceries for over 100 families per month through generous donations and food grants.

 

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Thank you, Mountaintop Citizens! - Aid Helps Purchase Car for Ukraine Mission

JEWETT — Michael DiBenedetto, a local man volunteering in Ukraine recently gave a moving presentation at St John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church a few weeks ago to raise money for relief efforts in that courageous country.

Thanks to the generosity of the Mountaintop Community, Michael was able to raise $4,200, enough to purchase the vehicle shown in this photo.

This vehicle will be loaded with medical supplies in the U.K., and ultimately arrive in Kharkiv. The vehicle will be used to deliver critical aid and transport those in need in the areas affected by the war.

To hear more of Michael’s story or to contribute to Michael’s efforts in Ukraine, please reach out to Oresta at opiapi39@gmail.com or Jonathan at jonathangross25@gmail.com

 

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Lexington Film Festival this Weekend

By Bradley Towle

LEXINGTON — The Lexington Film Festival returns this weekend for its third annual weekend of film screenings and fun. Curated by Caitlin McColl, co-owner of Van Dusen's General Store, in collaboration with the Catskill Mountain Foundation, each night of the four-day festival offers an engaging and unique glimpse into the region through film. 

"Some of the films were recommended to me, while others I had already seen and knew immediately I wanted to share with our audience," says McColl of how she selected the films. 

The festivities kick off on Thursday, June 19th, at the Mountain Cinema in Hunter with The Dancing Man: Peg Leg Bates, a one-hour PBS documentary about the legendary one-legged black tap dancer and Catskill resort owner, Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates. Director Dave Davidson and Producer Amber Edwards will present the newly restored and remastered film. 

The festival travels to Lexington on Friday night for "A Tribute to Blossom Dearie" at Van Dusen's General Store, a celebration of the East Durham native, who was an internationally renowned jazz musician and composer. Mocktails, beer, and wine will be available for sale to accompany the footage of Dearie that will be screened. On Saturday, The Mountaintop Historical Society in Haines Falls will host "Deep Water: Building the Catskill Water System," a 45-minute documentary co-directed by Tobe Carey, chronicling the construction of New York City's Catskill Water System in the early 20th century. Carey will be in attendance to present the film. 

The Lexington Film Festival wraps up on Sunday, back at the Mountain Cinema for an afternoon of LGBTQ+-themed shorts hosted and moderated by Patricia Charbonneau, star of the 1985 film Desert Hearts. One of the shorts in particular, One Story at a Time, had resonated with McColl when she caught a previous screening in Kingston. "At just ten minutes long, it's a powerful and moving piece that really leaves an impression."

McColl, who, in addition to her many roles, has also directed plays with the Maude Adams Theater Hub, strives to curate her festival each year with care, offering attendees a glimpse into the region they may not be familiar with through film. "Every film in this year's festival carries weight and meaning. These are stories of artists and changemakers who created something of value—often in the face of great challenges," says McColl. "Some of our selections look back in time...In contrast, Sunday's program leans toward the future, with four compelling short films screening at the Doctorow Center for the Arts." McColl hopes the selected films will leave a lasting impression. "Each film stands on its own, both artistically and thematically, but together, they form a larger conversation—one I hope will leave the audience feeling inspired long after the festival ends." For tickets and more information, visit catskillmtn.org/lexington-film-festival. Tickets are pay-what-you-will. 

 

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The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – Thank you to all of you who displayed Old Glory on Flag Day, and all the other days you recognize the significance of our flag, may she ever wave in freedom and honor. The beginning of Flag Day, June 14, was less than perfect for parades but by the late afternoon, it was “GO” and the rain stopped for celebrations.

Know all you Dads were feted with love and gifts and hugs and kisses on Father’s Day. Hope you had a great day.

Not too much going on. Students are studying for their finals and the seniors are preparing for graduation ceremonies. Congratulations to all for reaching this milestone in your scholastic endeavors. May your future be filled with success and happiness. You are the future of our country.

Claudia and Ray Bracaliello have returned from their annual Delaware vacation. They spent two weeks on the beach in Delaware, with only three days of rain the first two days they arrived. The wind and rain kept Ray out of the sand and wind, see subsequent reason. No fish but two bites during the entire time he stood at the edge of the ocean and threw in his his line. Claudia said there were “Good crab cakes and fresh fish” on the menu for the asking and they found a wonderful deli where they were able to get super food, as in no cooking for the vacationers. Claudia read five books and walked the beach daily getting at least two miles in each day. Prior to leaving on their annual trip, Ray had a trip to the eye specialist, receiving an eye injection which was a success. He says he is even able to see better and is needing less light. Never thought of Ray as a low voltage guy. Do envy them their ability to have had the finest seafood every day of their vacation. Many more of these trips, Claudia and Ray.

The American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327 had installation of their new officers at their June monthly meeting on June 10. The new officers elected at their May meeting: Catherine Martino, President; Lana Breigle, First Vice President; Patricia Minew, Second Vice President; Diana Jaeger, Secretary; Michele Brainard, Treasurer; Rosalind Randolph, Chaplin; and Marianne Krauss, Sgt. At Arms. Congratulations to all. Their next meeting will be in September, summer is their time to regroup in preparation for their busy fall/winter activities. They will continue to be working for the benefit of our veterans and communities.

Thank you Suzette Stuppert Donisan for your delicious tasty slices of sweet roll. Reminds one of all sorts of coffee cakes, rolls, etc. Your generosity and caring brightened the day. Thanks again.

The Kaaterskill UMC Thrift Shop in Hunter is now open for the summer season. They have been amassing loads of items for you to look over, searching for those hidden treasures. Their hours are Tuesdays 2 P.M. - 6 P.M.; Thursdays 10 A.M. - 2 P.M.; and Saturdays, 12 P.M. - 3 P.M. While there and you have some unwanted items at home, you might ask them if you could donate them for their benefit. The Mountain Top UMCs do great things for all – those in need, shut-ins or those who could just use an unexpected neighborly visit to brighten their day. Thank you for your good deeds.

Happy Birthday to Al Creazzo on June 21. On June 22 it is Happy Birthday to Erin O’Hara Meyer and Ken Maurer. Happy Birthday to Pat Smith on June 23. Bweverly Hull Haskin is wished a very Happy Birthday on June 25. Johannes Krauss is wished a very Happy Birthday on June 26. On June 27 Billy Sutton is wished a Happy Birthday. To all, have a great day.

Send your news and upcoming events, celebrations and special remembrances to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.  

 

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Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - Reflecting

The title of this piece could have been “as time goes by” in truth. One day, one event, one memory collides with another and before long, so much time has passed that it becomes impossible to separate out the events.  But then, we recall a special day in our past that was so significant that we open that memory vault to draw upon all the aspects of that day and how it now relates to our own grand kids. 

Case in point, being a part of the preparation for our granddaughters graduation from high school. It’s become a blend of events that began all those years ago when our first born was a graduate. I won’t lie and say it feels like it was yesterday. 

Now we are watching this next generation step up to that podium, in cap and gown, to complete this incredible journey that they don’t even quite realize is so extraordinary. Years of education are now behind them with the shift to the thing that comes next…a step forward to a higher education or a focus to beginning a career in what seems like only moments after the display of colorful hats are tossed in the air. 

Reflecting on high school graduation through the lens of our relationship as grandparents has been deeply meaningful.

It has, in its own way, marked a personal milestone and a continuation of the family's story. Each graduate, will carry the values, sacrifices and dreams forward, especially if there has been a strong relationship built on this foundation.

As grandparents, we may not have had the same challenges as are faced today, but we can see that same pride in the eyes of the graduate that truly symbolizes progress, resilience and hope.

Similar to what our parents may have felt for us all those years ago.

Times have changed, yes, indeed. Reflecting on those changes in a positive way can offer a new sense of pride and inspiration for our graduates to build on the very legacy that we started.

That’s how we’ll reflect on this special occasion…with the hope that our families garnered for us.

Congratulations to ALL the graduates who are making memories this year…have fun, trust the process and

By all means, take a minute to thank your grandparents, near or far, for laying the groundwork for you to carry forward.

Pat Larsen, lives, works and plays in Greene County, NY with her husband of 52 years. 

You can reach Pat at 518-275-8686 to chat about your story if you’d like. She loves to garner inspiration for future columns.

 

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Obituary - Lola Diane (Fullington) Hoyt

 

Lola Diane (Fullington) Hoyt  passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Lola was born on November 5, 1954 to Biancy and Clarence Fullington in Catskill, NY. A lifelong resident of Greene County, Lola grew up in Ashland, NY and had a happy childhood, spending her early years playing in the local woods and meadows, attending Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School, and playing at her uncle’s dairy farm in East Meredith, NY with her aunt, uncle, and cousins. These experiences cultivated within her a strong sense of regional identity and pride and, throughout her life, she enjoyed many outdoor activities like fishing with her father, playing outside with the other children living in Ashland, and hunting. She loved taking walks, and enjoyed walking slowly and taking her time, paying attention to the small details, and noticing flowers, birds, butterflies, and animals. She was an avid birdwatcher, and had an extensive knowledge of songbirds native to the Catskill Mountain region. 

Lola attended the NCOC BOCES program for cosmetology during high school, and worked at Margaret Sokol’s hair salon for many years. She maintained her hairdressing license well into her sixties. Lola graduated from high school in 1972, and later married David L. Hoyt. They had three children, and Lola worked as a stay-at-home mother during the years when their children were young. When her youngest child started kindergarten, Lola took a job in the Windham-Ashland-Jewett school cafeteria. Eventually, she left the cafeteria and became a teacher’s assistant, working with generations of children at WAJ and forming many lifelong friendships there. Lola was known at WAJ for her fierce, no-nonsense attitude, but most importantly, for her loving, caring, maternal nature.  She maintained many of her connections within WAJ school, staying in touch with friends and coworkers, and helping to run the budget vote each year.

During the time that Lola raised her three children, she emphasized the importance of reading and education with each of them, along with a love of the outdoors. She took them to pick blackberries and to feed bluegills at the pond nearby. She made donuts with them and took them on trips to Lake George, Florida, and camping in the Adirondacks. Lola also attended every event and activity they were involved in, and never missed a single sporting event. She attended every play, chaperoned field trips, and it was clear that her children were her entire world. 

She continued this practice many years later when her five grandchildren became involved in sports, drama, music, and other activities. Lola was incredibly proud of both her children and her grandchildren. In addition to the love Lola had for her children and grandchildren, she was also devoted to her sister, Elaine Mattice, and her sister’s family, and she could often be found shopping with them, or at their houses for dinner, hair cuts, and family gatherings. Family was the most important facet of her life. 

Lola was unapologetically opinionated, and this was part of her unique charm. She appreciated realness in people, and was known for her bluntness. She lived with conviction, and loved her family with fierce, unconditional love. When there was hardship in any of their lives, they would go to her house for advice, for one of her signature vice-grip hugs, or for her to provide some tough love if they needed it. Her grandchildren all felt that grandma Lola was their best friend. She acted as their ally in all things and, in her eyes, her grandchildren could do no wrong. As a result of the unconditional love she offered, she was loved beyond words by her children, grandchildren, and other family members and friends. Lola was a force of nature, and everything she did, she did for other people: she enjoyed throwing parties and baking birthday cakes for family members, taking care of her grandchildren, and remembering the birthdays and important events of the people she loved. She was an unwavering source of support for all of us. May we all love this fiercely and strive to be this selfless. Someone who is this alive can never truly die; she will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved her. 

Lola was predeceased by her parents, Biancy and Clarence Fullington, and her brother-in-law, John Mattice.

 She is survived by her loving sister, Elaine Mattice (Fullington) of Ashland, NY; her children: David Hoyt Jr.(Becky Hoyt) of Stamford, NY, Nathan Hoyt (Michele Linger) of Windham, NY, Amanda Graham (Jeffrey) of Windham and Lexington, NY; her grandchildren: Madison, Melanie, Alyson, and McKenna Hoyt, and Samuel Graham; her niece Shelly Mattice, nephew John (Lisa) Mattice, Jase and Ethan of Ashland.

 Services for Lola will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 4-6 pm at Decker Funeral Home, 5312 Route 23, Windham, NY. 

Online condolences may be left at http://www.deckerfh.com

 

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DCHA Summer Day Trip, July 31 - Fort Klock Historic Site and Erie Canal Cruise

DELHI — DCHA is pleased to announce our summer fundraising trip for 2025. On Thursday, July 31 we invite friends and members of the museum to travel with us to historic Fort Klock in the Mohawk Valley (https://www.fortklockrestoration.org). The site, renowned as an important location during the American Revolution, also includes a blacksmith shop, Dutch barn and a Little Red Schoolhouse.

After Fort Klock, enjoy lunch at Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner. Located in downtown Herkimer, it’s a classic 1950s diner with many original features. Then, to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal, guests will embark on a narrated 90-minute cruise on the canal. Boarding will take place at “Gems Along the Mohawk” (https://eriecanalcruises.com/).

Cost: DCHA members $140 / Non-members $160.  (Price includes transportation, all admissions & lunch, plus a donation to DCHA.)

Reservations required by July 10.

For further information or reservations please call: (607) 746-3849, or email: dchadelhi@gmail.com

Passengers may board the motor coach in Delhi at 7:30 am and in Oneonta at 8:15 am. We estimate our return time in Oneonta to be approximately 6:30 pm and Oneonta 7:00pm.

 

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Davenport Sentence in DWAI Drugs Case

DAVENPORT – District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Brandon Empie, 41, of Unadilla pleaded guilty in the Town of Davenport Court on June 10, 2025, to one count of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Ability Impaired by Drugs, an Unclassified Misdemeanor.  

On April 30, 2023, State Police out of Oneonta were dispatched for a welfare check on State Highway 23 in the Town of Davenport for a disabled vehicle.  Upon arrival, two individuals were found to be unresponsive in the vehicle.  After the driver, identified as Brandon Empie, became responsive and failed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, it was determined that he was impaired by drugs. 

District Attorney Smith commended the work of Troopers Rachel May and Samantha Smaldone on this case.  “Thanks to their diligent work, another dangerous driver was taken of our roadways.”   

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County 

 

 

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Scenes from No Kings Rally

 

Robert Sullivan sent us this photo from the No Kings rally Saturday in Oneonta.

 

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Franklin Stage Company Opens Twenty-Ninth Season With Comedy, Kimberly Akimbo

FRANKLIN — Franklin Stage Company, Delaware County’s admission-free, professional theater, will present David Lindsay-Abaire’s award-winning comic play Kimberly Akimbo, July 4–20 at Chapel Hall, in Franklin.

Kimberly Akimbo, a play for 5 actors, tells the story of teenager Kimberly Levaco who suffers from a rare condition causing her to age rapidly, making her appear much older than her actual years; as a result, she navigates the challenges of adolescence, including dealing with her rather dysfunctional family while trapped in the body of an elderly woman, ultimately finding a connection with a fellow outsider at school, all while confronting the reality of her shortened life expectancy. “We’re thrilled to bring this hilarious and poignant comedy to our stage” said FSC Artistic Director Patricia Buckley. “It’s a zany play about a very serious topic, and David Lindsay-Abaire has created a hero for young and old in the character of Kimberly.” Written in 2000, Lindsay-Abaire later turned this play into the 2023 Tony-award winning musical of the same name. 

Kimberly Akimbo is a play about how to make the most of life in easy and tough times. Chris O’Connor, who directed FSC’s 2023 production of Good People, will helm the project. “I’m excited to stage this rich comedy with an incredibly talented cast,” said O’Connor. “FSC’s programming always makes for great summer theater. We’re so lucky to have the Franklin Stage Company here in Delaware County producing wonderful plays like this.”

The Franklin Stage Company season runs through August 24 at Chapel Hall, 25 Institute Street in Franklin, NY. Please note all evening shows have a curtain time of 7:30 pm. Kimberly Akimbo will also have Saturday matinees at 3:00 pm, and Sunday shows at 5:00 pm. General Seating. Admission is free—suggested donation is $25 per person. 

For more information and reservations, visit www.franklinstagecompany.org. Programming at the Franklin Stage Company is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

FRANKLIN STAGE COMPANY's dual mission is to produce professional, admission-free theater that brings together audiences and artists to create community and celebrate the enduring power of stories; and to ensure the preservation of Chapel Hall, our historic home, as both an architectural treasure and a center of community activity.

Franklin Stage Company is a professional Actors Equity, not-for-profit theater founded in 1997 in Franklin, NY. FSC is dedicated to producing classic and new plays that stimulate thought and provoke discussion to illuminate as well as entertain. FSC also presents both emerging and established artists working in a variety of performance disciplines. The company was founded on the principle that great theater should be accessible to all.

 

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