Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

The Town of Lexington Fire/Rescue Company participated in Fire Prevention Week at the Hunter Elementary School along with several other fire/rescue companies and agencies on Oct. 9 and 10.    Lexington’s Sparky the Fire Dog and HTC’s Wildcat were  special guests. 

Congratulations to the Town of Lexington Fire/Rescue Company on their 90th Anniversary.  This milestone was celebrated with a wonderful dinner at Prominence in Windham.  Thank you to all our volunteer hometown heroes.  Ninety years of dedicated service to the community and beyond.

The last outdoor Lexington Farmers Market for the season was dedicated to kids on Oct. 11.  What an excellent turnout.  There were the usual vendors plus arts and crafts, music, story telling, small animals to pet, delicious ice cream sundaes provided by Stuarts, free books for the children from the Hunter Public Library, Lexington Fire/Rescue Touch a Truck for the kiddos to check out the fire/rescue vehicles and of course, Sparky the Fire Dog wouldn’t miss the opportunity to greet the children and adults.  Excellent attendance, the weather was beautiful and a wonderful time for everyone.

Friday, Oct. 17 is the next potluck Dinner Church in the Ashland Community UMC, 12216 Route 23, Ashland at 6 p.m.  All invited.

Laity Sunday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m., is the combined worship service in the Lanesville UMC, 1513 Route 214, Lanesville, with a covered dish meal to follow.

The Mountain Top Library, Tannersville, is collecting pet food and pet supplies through Saturday, Oct. 18.  Wish list includes:  Leashes, harnesses, collars, gentle leaders, pee pads, dog and cat beds, blankets and towels, treats and Dream Bones, dog bones, squeak toys and stuffed animals (no brittle or plastic parts), tennis balls, Nyla Bones, Kongs, chew sticks, pet food wet or dry, pill pockets, flea and tick medicine, food bins, bleach, scrub brushes, paper towels, laundry detergent, baby wipes, large contractor bags, fur brushes, gift cards from Walmart, PetSmart, Petco, Tractor Supply, Lowes, Amazon and gas cards.

The Kaaterskill UMC will be holding a Roast Pork and Homemade Pie Supper on Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., takeouts only, at the Tannersville Rescue Squad Building.  Free will offering.

Happy birthday to Charina Falke on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Monday, Oct. 20 is Kathleen Hilbert’s birthday.

Happy birthday to Amy Valentini on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

Thursday, Oct. 23 is Dustin Falke’s birthday.

Also celebrating a birthday on Oct. 23 is Dixie Baldrey.

Best wishes to you all.

On Saturday, Oct. 25 the Greene Room Players Songbirds will have a free performance at the Lexington Historical Society building on Church Street, off of Route 42, Main Street, Lexington.  Come and enjoy hot dogs, snacks and soda.

Do not miss the annual Halloween Brunch that is sponsored by the West Kill/Lexington Community Improvement Association on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road, West Kill.  If you have been to any of the brunches hosted by the WKLCIA you know how scrumptious all the food will be.  Eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, potatoes, grits, fruit, baked goodies and so much more.  All this for $20 a person, children 5 and under are free.  Proceeds benefit the WKLCIA.

The Greene County Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of Oct. 20 – Oct. 24 is as follows:  Monday—Beer battered fish, spinach, mashed potatoes, mandarin oranges; Tuesday—Chicken Divan, California vegetable medley, white rice, vanilla mousse; Wednesday—Vegetable lasagna with white sauce, Italian mixed vegetables, chocolate chip cookies; Thursday—Chicken and biscuits, squash, mashed potatoes, fruited Jell-O; Friday—Stuffed peppers, broccoli, white rice, fresh fruit.  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.  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.

Saturday, Nov. 1 is a takeout Roast Beef dinner at the Lanesville UMC.

Election Day, Nov. 4, there will be a takeout Brooks Chicken BBQ dinner at the Lexington/West Kill UMC, Main Street, Lexington. 

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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Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

Last week I failed to mail in my weekly article due to the fact that I forgot to push send. I could come up with a rather exotic excuse although I just can’t think of a really good one. Hey, it could happen to anyone. 

This week I hope I inform everyone what is going on in the veteran world. So here goes. 

We have been holding Bingo at our post for the last couple of months and everyone seems to enjoy the fun of playing bingo. Food is served during bingo with various menus including soft drinks and snacks. Come and check us out at our next bingo night Thursday October 16 at 6 p.m. 

This past weekend we had the annual Autumn Affair in town and I want to congratulate the Windham Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber president Lisa Jaeger and the entire chamber did one great job. Our post has a booth where we met so many people and they were very generous in buying raffle tickets.

One thing I want to correct is that the date on the tickets for the veterans breakfast states it is on November 15, and we had to change it. Now it is Sunday November 16 from 8 a.m. to noon. Raffle drawing at 11 a.m. 

In a scathing response to a recent Washington Post piece, National Commander Witmore reminds the editors that veterans’ disability benefits are not charity and that many invisible war wounds are not new, they are just not being ignored.

To the Editors of The Washington Post: Your recent article, “How some veterans exploit $193 billion VA program, due to lax controls” (October 2025), is not just a disservice to veterans — it is a dangerously misleading piece that feeds into damaging stereotypes and ignores both the moral and legal foundations of the Department of Veterans Affairs disability system.

Let’s be absolutely clear: veterans’ disability benefits are not charity. They are compensation owed for injuries and conditions incurred in the line of duty — promised by a government that asked men and women to risk their lives and health, often irreversibly, on its behalf. These benefits are not some “loopholes” for opportunists to exploit; they are the very least this country can do for the people it sent to war repeatedly, especially after more than two decades of sustained conflict without a draft.

Lastly, let’s not ignore what this article really reflects: veterans make an easy scapegoat for the elites in this country. We’re a very small percentage of the population. Many Americans are disconnected from the wars they authorized or ignored. It is politically and socially convenient to question the integrity of veterans rather than confront the true cost of 25 years of war. But the cost is real. And the obligation to those who bore it is not optional.

I want to state that I am an Army veteran, not a US Marine Veteran, although this week I would like to highlight one particular  US Marine. 

His name is Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller (June 26, 1898 – October 11, 1971) was a United States Marine Corps officer. Beginning his career fighting guerillas in Haiti and Nicaragua as part of the Banana Wars, he later served with distinction in WWII and the Korean War as a senior officer. By the time of his retirement in 1955, he had reached the rank of Lieutenant General.                                                                        .

Puller is the most decorated Marine in American history. He was awarded five Navy Crosses and one Distinguished Service Cross. With six crosses, Puller is second behind Eddie Rickenbacker for citations of the nation's second-highest military award for valor. Puller retired from the Marine Corps in 1955, after 37 years of service. He lived in Virginia and died in 1971 at age 73.

Puller remains a well-known figure in U.S. Marine Corps folklore with both true and exaggerated tales of his experiences being constantly recounted among U.S. Marines. A common practice in U.S. Marine Corps boot camp is to end one's day with the declaration, "Good night, Chesty, wherever you are!” Another common encouragement is "Chesty Puller never quit!"

In U.S. Marine Corps recruit training and OCS cadences, Marines chant "It was good for Chesty Puller/And it's good enough for me" as well as "Tell Chesty Puller I did my best." Chesty is symbolic of the esprit de corps of the Marines. Also, the recruits sing "Chesty Puller was a good Marine and a good Marine was he. U.S. Marines, while doing pull-ups, will tell each other to "do one for Chesty!" As our Marine veterans in VFW Post 1545 always say “Once a Marine – Always a Marine”. To all you Marine veterans,          I say Semper Fi.

Remember to keep all who served our country and those still serving in your thoughts and prayers. May God Bless America. 

Marc Farmilette, PDC – Commander VFW Post 1545

Colonel Puller. 1950     In Guadalcanal 1942                Retired w/ wife Virginia

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See and Be Kitchen Aiding Community

By Jesse Angelino

CAIRO — In the heart of Cairo, there's a true community champion who's been spreading kindness and warmth through her bakery, See and Be Kitchen, on Main Street. Chrissy Traore, CEO and co-founder, has been a driving force behind several initiatives that have positively impacted the local community.

Every summer, Chrissy organizes fundraising barbecues that bring the community together while raising money for various charities and community projects. These events have become a staple in Cairo, with local bakeries and home bakers donating goods to support the cause. The proceeds have funded community projects in surrounding towns, including community fridges in Catskill and organizations like Soul Fire Farm, Kites Nest, and Community Action.

However, Chrissy's vision didn't stop there. With the assistance of the Cairo Development Foundation, she's spearheaded a plan to keep the proceeds in Cairo and create a sustainable solution to food insecurity. A community fridge is currently under construction behind the Cairo Development Foundation's building on Main Street. This initiative aims to preserve the dignity of those in need by providing discreet access to essential groceries.

The community fridge is a testament to Chrissy's dedication to her community. "Sometimes it can be hard, especially if you don't drive to get to places like the church pantry or ashram," Chrissy explained. "We've brought this to a more convenient location that will hopefully lessen the burden for travel for a lot of people."

The community fridge will rely on volunteers to maintain its cleanliness and organization. Donations are encouraged, but only store-bought perishables and agricultural groceries are accepted, ensuring health and safety standards are met.

Chrissy's plans don't stop at the community fridge. She envisions expanding the initiative to include a community food pantry and a pet food donation area, further solidifying See and Be Kitchen's role as a hub for community support.

The community comes together to make this initiative possible. First Choice Plumbing donated the installation, and Sigdah Electric is charitably hooking up the electricity. These partnerships demonstrate the power of collaboration and the impact that can be made when community members work together towards a common goal.

Chrissy Traore's selflessness and dedication to her community are an inspiration to us all. As we look forward to the community fridge's opening, we're reminded that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact. See and Be Kitchen and the Cairo Development Foundation are shining examples of what can be achieved when compassion and determination come together.

If you're interested in volunteering or donating to this incredible cause, please reach out to See and Be Kitchen or the Cairo Development Foundation. Let's come together to support Chrissy Traore's vision for a more compassionate and caring community.

The community fridge will be accessible 24/7, providing a reliable resource for those in need. This around-the-clock accessibility will help ensure that individuals can access essential groceries at their convenience, regardless of their schedule or circumstances.

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The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – What a weekend on the Mountaintop. Bear Pen Sport Center had their annual Oktoberfest on Saturday afternoon, October 11. Those attending had a good time. Then there was the Windham Autumn Affair, very well attended as usual. If you missed it this year, make sure you reserve time for the Patchwork Guild's Quilt Show. You will be amazed at the talent and artistry of your neighbors and/or relatives. Beautiful, beautiful quilts. Some of the members are Prattsville residents, Janelle Maurer and Marcia Dougherty. Eileen Buel of Conesville is another very talented quilter. Her latest quilt won Best in Show at a quilt in Schenectady and some years ago Marcia won First Place at her first competition. By the enthusiasm and talent of these ladies, you can tell they enjoy their handiwork. Congratulations to all. Marianne Krauss, Ginny Gurley and daughter Nancy Hodge from Pittsford, NY, also took in the display. Nancy and husband Rick, son Cody and wife Samantha and their daughter Quinley (already an avid BILLS FAN, and daughter Taylor and husband Justin were at Ginny’s for a four day weekend. Lots of family activity with Bobby Jr., Shelly Brainard and Stephanie Brainard Braswell stopping by to catch up on family doings. Nancy also got to visit with cousins Sandy and Benny Benjamin.

The 100th Anniversary Celebration Mass for St. Philip Neri at the 11 AM Mass in Grand Gorge was well attended and much appreciated. Bishop Scharfenberger and Father Paul shared the Mass rites – beautiful. Many parishioners of years past were in attendance including Connie and Donnie Lane and daughter Joanne (daughter Terrie remains a faithful parishioner), Mary LeConte, and the Powells.

Janet Brainerd called and I was able to get the up to the minute news on her family. Janet had the joy of entertaining her twin daughters, Connie Jean Brainerd Constable and Rebecca Jo Brainerd Benson for their birthday on Sunday October 12, their birthday is October 13, by taking them out for a celebratory luncheon at the Greenville Cafe. There were only the three of them attending the luncheon Janet said because the three of them were the only ones there at their birth, other than medical staff. Her one granddaughter Cassandra Constable is now in North Carolina. As a registered nurse Cassandra does not have a look too hard for a job. Good luck to Cassandra. Good wishes Connie and Becky to another wonderful year. Your mom is special.

It was a successful Tag Day for the American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327. The funds will be used for various veterans’ activities. Thank you to all, local and out of town supporters. The Annual Veterans’ Day Bake sale sponsored by this Unit 1327, will be on November 8 at Jim’s Great American, Saturday, 9 AM – 12. The proceeds from this Bake Sale will be used solely for the benefit of local veterans. Can we ask you to either bake, buy or donate or all three for our veterans. Got some information on combating the varmints turning over sod clumps on the lawn. Emmet Hand, local gentleman, said that it was one of the four legged pests in our area turning up the grass looking for grubs, etc. He also said it was the less healthy grass the animals were turning over because it was less implanted. Healthy grass with a good system would be harder to dig up. Staffers at Young’s Ace Hardward were concerned with the ecosystem and did not want a product used that would kill the animals so went with a deterrent. Still waiting for the results and will let you know.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Randy Brainerd and Claudia Bracaliello. They are in our thoughts and prayers.

Happy Birthday to McKenzie Constable on October 18, Joanne Dunphy will be celebrating her 80th birthday on October 21 with an open house celebration at the Prattsville Fire House on October 18. Ursula Jaeger, out in Arkansas, and Richard Hodge in Pittsford will be celebrating their birthday on October 20. Joe Concato is wished a Happy Birthday on October 23.

Need some news Call 518 299 3219 or email gurleyrv@gmail.com.

 

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TONES AND TALES INTERSECTIONS OF 19TH-CENTURY PIANO MUSIC AND THE WRITTEN WORD

HUNTER – On Saturday, October 15 at 2:00 PM, historical pianists Stephanie Schmidt and Robin Morace present a two-part program of nineteenth-century music inspired by or connected to literature. In the first part, the Piano Performance Museum’s wonderfully sensitive Clementi square piano (1803-5) suggests an author known to have played a similar instrument: Jane Austen (1775-1817). Her novels and personal correspondence are rife with musical references, emphasizing the importance of the pianoforte to women of her time. We can even surmise what Jane may have played thanks to the eighteen volumes of sheet music in the Austen Family Music Books collection held by the University of Southampton, including music copied by the author herself. Stephanie has chosen, from this collection, a varied program of sonatas, dances, and arrangements for piano solo and duet. Interspersed with the music of Schobert, Mazzinghi, Kiallmark, and others will be short spoken excerpts from the public and private pen of Austen herself.

In the second part of the concert, Robin Morace will play several movements from Robert Schumann’s Kreisleriana, Op. 16 as well as Franz Liszt’s Ballade No. 2 in B minor. As its title suggests, Schumann’s cycle of character pieces draws on the fictional musician Johannes Kreisler, who appears in several novels and stories by E.T.A. Hoffman. Schumann himself described Kreisler as “energetic, wild, and witty,” and his musical vignettes evoke the full kaleidoscope of Kreisler’s personality, from mania to melancholy. While the title of Liszt’s piece is purely generic and indicates no particular literary point of reference, one of Liszt’s pupils, Martin Krause, claimed that the Ballade No. 2 is in fact based on the Greek myth of Hero and Leander. The poet Friedrich Schiller, whose work Liszt knew and had previously adapted, introduced the story to 19th century German readers through a poem that he subtitled “ballade.” All the key elements of the myth can be found in Liszt’s music: the listener twice hears a musical painting of Leander swimming across the Hellespont to reach the tower where his lover Hero resides before Liszt depicts Leander’s tragic final crossing during a winter storm.

This concert is free and will be held at the Piano Performance Museum in the Doctorow Center for the Arts, 7971 Main Street, Hunter, NY. Reserve your seat at www.catskillmtn.org.

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

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

 

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Traditionally Speaking….by Pat Larsen - Baby Boomers…cue Eye Roll!

Recently, I was corrected by none other than a Gen X priest who attempted to redefine my statement, light heartedly, that I was erroneously referring to my generation as Baby Boomers…he believed we were the newest of the ELDERS…to which I replied, lightheartedly, as well, 

“I beg your pardon, Father!”... game ON…I’d check my sources and he could confirm his. Here we are weeks later and I’m still

searching the internet for collaborating details that would confirm these totally unimportant facts that are creating havoc among all of us intent on coming out on top. (ok, mostly me wanting to still claim that coveted age group title of those born 1946-1964, THE BEST OF THE BEST GENS…THE BABY BOOMERS.

I can admit now, weeks later that statement may have been a little irritating but all of it was said in good fun, kind of.

Who made up these declarations anyway and moreso, who named these groups with a degree of certainty that has only been trumped by the existence of Santa Claus.

Turns out that the generations got their names as a way to understand and communicate experiences and cultural patterns among people born in similar time periods…often associated with historical events and social trends.

It’s incredibly interesting to note that at this time in our history there are five to six generations, alive, at one time.

…and we’re getting along so well, aren’t we?

Here’s the breakdown for all of you who've wondered and haven’t been able to sleep or have an intelligent conversation about these facts, like me.

-Post-War/WWII generations: 1928-1945, still living.

-Baby Boomers: born 1946-1964  ( yes, Father, that’s me)

-Generation X: born between 1965 and 1979/1980

-Millenials: born between 1981 and 1996

-Generation Z: born between 1997 and 2012

-Generation Alpha: born between 2010/ 2012 and 2025

-Generation Beta: Born starting in 2025

In truth, we Baby Boomers do have a degree of limitations especially given the integration necessary to function in this world that relates to technology. 

Listen up Boomers…it’s time to give up the land line even if you think you’ll need it in the event of an emergency. QUICK…say your old land line phone number…! Yup, no one remembers theirs let alone the 911 operator.

TUPPERWARE containers need to GO….

STOP calling every streaming service..NETFLIX.

There is no need to say  “thank you” to the  Alexa device…none.

Shorten the group texts, no ones reading beyond the first two lines especially if it’s from “us”.

This one hurt like I stubbed my toe…no one expects us to sign a text any longer with “love Mom”...ouch.

We need to stop using emojis for punctuation. Anything more than one smiley face is dating us.

I can go on and on…but that’s another “no, no!”

Get over it.

Ok, before I conclude, here’s a confession. Just perhaps, like the last line in the bio of my first book stating “we’re the best generation of all time!’ is what triggered the debate between Father and myself and  may have been a bit over the top but I will say this…we’ve come darn close.

Pat Larsen is a syndicated columnist who lives, works, plays and prays in Greene County. NY. 

Pat brings  dance fitness programs to her students, mostly Baby Boomers, who love the best music ever created from that period of time. Perhaps another column will be born from that consideration. Pelarsen5@aol.com or call her at 518-275-8686.

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Woodstock Film Festival Celebrates its Twenty-Sixth Year

By Sarah J. Nachin

WOODSTOCK — The slogan of the Woodstock Film Festival is “Fiercely Independent.” It’s an apt description of this relatively small, but popular event showcasing independent films from around the United States and the world. More and more filmmakers, such as Malcolm Washington (The Piano Lesson) and Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused) are eschewing the big Hollywood studios and relying on multiple independent producers to make their films happen.  

 Meira Blaustein, who co-founded the festival in 2000, has seen it grow and evolve over the years. The event has taken place every year since, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Blaustein remarks that despite its growth, “it has maintained its heart and its independence. We’ve grown organically, but we haven’t outgrown ourselves.”

Many film industry people from New York City come up to the tiny hamlet  of Woodstock each year and the locals also embrace the festival. You won’t see yachts and $1500 designer outfits here. The atmosphere is casual. You’re more likely to see a well-known personality, such as Steve Buscimi, in jeans and a t-shirt, as opposed to a three-piece suit. And because they participate in panel discussions, as well as Q & As, you might have a chance to shake their hand.

There was zero budget their first year. Everyone was a volunteer and the films were screened only in Woodstock. Thanks to sponsors (large and small) they have added some paid staff and been able to expand their venues. This year in addition to Woodstock, there will be three other locations for screenings and other events−Kingston, Saugerties, and Rosendale−all within a twenty to thirty minute drive from each other. However, give yourself plenty of time to travel from location to location to allow for traffic and finding parking. Woodstock, itself, is walkable and it’s best to park and go on foot. That way you have a chance to stop in at some of the shops and maybe grab a bite to eat between shows. 

In addition to shortage of funds, the festival has not been without challenges over the past twenty-five years. In 2020, there was the pandemic. Much of it was virtual with online screenings. However, the festival organizers used three local drive-in theatres for some of the screenings. It was one of the few film festivals that were not just virtual, so filmmakers were thrilled.    

“Being able to support the filmmakers, to see how happy they are when they get here or have their film accepted, helping them nurture their careers,  support their creativity and allow their voices to be heard are some of the most rewarding aspects. Connecting with other creative people in the local community is another reason I do what I do,” remarks Blaustein. 

Besides an expanded eclectic program including  almost 160 films, nine panels, Q & As with well-known people in the film industry, and live music events, a new award has been added to the program. It will be the Laurent Rejto “Made in the Hudson Valley Award.” Rejto, who passed away recently, was head of the Hudson Valley Film Commission.  

“It’s going to be amazing!” Blaustein concludes. 

Whether you are a cinephile or a filmmaker, yourself, I’m sure you’ll agree with her. 

The Woodstock Film Festival will continue through the weekend. Many of the films will sell out quickly so it’s best to order your tickets as early as possible. 

For tickets and information on being a volunteer, go to https://woodstockfilmfestival.org/ 

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities email: sponsor@Woodstockfilmfestival.org 

    

 

                                    Uma Thurman participating in a panel discussion

(L-R) Steve Buscemi and Matthew Modine participating in a panel discussion

                                    Meira Blaustein (Far right) with young filmmakers

 

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31st AUTUMN AFFAIR IN WINDHAM - Streets Pleasantly Crowded and Plentiful Sunshine

The Windham Chamber of Commerce was again smiled upon with fine weather for opening day of their 31st Autumn Affair, last Saturday. “Maybe it’s the universe saying we’re doing everything right,” quipped Chamber president Lisa Jaeger. “Actually, this speaks to the beauty of our town. Everybody I talk to loves this fair and Windham.” Among those on hand from the Chamber were (left to right) board member Andrew Kurywczak, event planner Elisa Schieren, Jaeger and event planner Evan Schieren.

“It’s just a coincidence,” humorously claimed the six visitors (far right) who came to the Autumn Affair in matching plaid flannel shirts, stopping at the Windham-Hensonville United Methodist Church apple fritters booth, one of the cornerstone vendors of the event. Local folks on hand were (from left to right) Marilyn Carreras and fritter flippers Deb and Eric Goettsche, Sandy Schellhorn and Robin Siddall.

 

“This was not a decision, it was our destiny,” says Wes Laraway, co-founder, with his wife Darcy, of the New York Wildlife Rescue Center, based in Middleburgh, starting out with farm animals over 30 years ago before securing their wildlife-treating license, helping creatures such as the screech owl that was hit by a car. The Laraway family has been part of Schoharie County history since the Revolutionary War era, with Simeon Laraway establishing the first gristmill.

Autumn Affair welcomes younger, older and timeless visitors including (front) a trio of children, (middle) Windham Foundation members Jakub Mleczko, Matt Rodrigue and Phyllis Parrish and (back) Pumpkinhead (a close personal friend of Seano Fagan).

 

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