Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - A Greater Sense of Place - Getting Kids Outdoors and Engaged

Catskill Middle Schoolers finding a "Greater Sense of Place" at North Lake during schoolwide outings to make them more aware of what the region has to offer. A Greater Sense of Place is a program where the entire student body visits different area locations for a day to get outdoors or experience culture, art, and sports experiences. These kids fished and hiked at North Lake on a chilly morning, proudly showing the results of their efforts. 

The Greater Sense of Place (GSOP) program began at the Catskill Middle School in the early 1980s. It was created by Barry Hopkins, Wayne Fisher, and Carl Carrozza with the goal of engaging students in cultural, artistic, and outdoor activities. They were inspired by the Hudson River School of Art founders Thomas Cole and his student Frederik Church, who spent significant time immersed in the natural surroundings of the Catskills and Hudson Valley. The program has evolved over the years, but current coordinator and Catskill Middle School social studies teacher, Dave Taylor, whose been coordinating GSOP since 2018, keeps the unique program close to its roots. He strives to reinforce its original goal of providing a unique experience for students that helps connect them to the outdoors and their local and broader community. 

On the Friday before Columbus Day Weekend, 270 Students, (the entire Middle School), went on nine Field Trips to the Thomas Cole House, Olana Historic Site, North Lake (fishing & hiking and mountain biking), Kaaterskill Falls, Albany Indoor Rock Gym, Samascott Orchards/ Corn maze, kayaking, and the Kiwanis Ice Rink.

Throughout the history of the program, community volunteers and donations have played a significant role, whether community members volunteer to lead workshops and share their talents or through generous donations to help enhance the program.  

Some of the activities focus on local culture and history and include workshops at Olana and Thomas Cole historic sites, art instruction and pottery making. While others offer more of an outdoor experience including hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and fishing, both on the Catskill Creek and in the nearby Mountains. Experiences such as ice skating, rock climbing, and exploring a corn maze allow students to try activities locally that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in. The underlying goal of the day is to create positive memories and connections to their surroundings and what their local community has to offer. Hopefully instilling, “A Greater Sense of Place.” 

 My colleague and I coordinate Outdoor Education and Outreach at Dick’s House of Sports in Latham, and make a small contribution to the Greater Sense of Place Program by teaching Catskill Middle Schoolers how to fish at North Lake each year. This year was no exception. With the assistance of local Environmental Conservation Officer, (ECO) Darren Milliron, and a dedicated staff member from the middle school, we helped about 90 kids get introduced, or re-introduced to freshwater fishing. Suffice it to say, a good time was had by all even though the fish were not cooperating too well this year. Well, better luck next year! 

Happy hunting, fishing, and trapping until next time! 

News and Notes

Earlton Fish & Game Club to Hold Opening Day Hunter's Breakfast 

The Earlton Fish & Game Club is once again hosting its Opening Day Hunter's Breakfast on Saturday, November 15th, 2025 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at their clubhouse at 56 Potic Creek Road, in Earlton. The breakfast, available for a free-will offering, includes cooked to order-pancakes, sausage, eggs, bacon and more! All donations will be appreciated. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. All are welcome, no need to be a hunter to come! For more info call 518-694-8323 or email Info@EarltonGunClub.com.

Electronic “E”- Tags

New this year, you may tag and report your take electronically. If you use paper tags, you must report the harvest of wild turkeys, deer, and bear within 48 hours rather than 7 days as has been the case in past years. Check DECs website www.dec.ny.gov for further information and requirements. 

 

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Ashland Speaks

By Lula Anderson

Brrrr!!  I know that it's been a long autumn as far as weather, but the first cold spell of the season is so hard to get adjusted to.  Heat has to get turned on, that hasn't been used in months, and it doesn't always work.  It's getting dark earlier, and it makes the day seem colder.  Now with the time change this weekend, don't forget, fall back-- set your clocks back an hour on Saturday night — it'll be dark at 5:00.  Well, as I was recently reminded, don't forget December 21rst is the Winter solstice, and we can start seeing the days lengthen.  Watch out for deer!  I've seen quite a few bucks this year, but I won't tell you where.  I'll save that info for my hunting friends.  So far, they are quietly browsing, but it won't be long before they start jumping out in the road in front of you.  

Plans are being finalized for WAJPL's Holiday sale on November 15th at our meeting hall.  Doors open at 10 until 3.  Fresh made wreaths, crafts, bake sale, handmade items (pocketbooks, crocheted items, jewelry, holiday decorations, homemade pickles, local maple syrup and honey and a White Elephant table.  We just got a large donation of beautiful Christmas Angels, ornaments, and so much more.  Come help us clean out our closet and support local vendors.  We will be selling lunch:  chili, hamburgers, corn chowder and macaroni salad.  

MaryLouise is still waiting for you to call and sign up for the 4 day trip to VA International Tattoo on April 16 thru 19.  518-622-3397.  It's a real bargain $759 per person double occupancy which includes transportation, 3 nights lodging, 3 breakfasts, 3 full course dinners including the Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise and so much more.  

Don't  cook dinner on Election Day!  Go to Lexington for a Brooks Chicken BBQ.

Heard on my favorite radio station that there is a craft day at the Windham CC to teach book folding.  How many of you remember getting Pack O' Fun craft magazine where almost every month they had a book folding project, along with macaroni pictures, Styrofoam ball decorations, clothes pin dolls, and so much  more?  We couldn't wait for the next issue to come out and find something great to work on.  Bread bag wreaths come to mind, also.  It was a magazine that encouraged reusing things that would ordinarily be thrown away.  We were all so crafty.

Continuing prayers for Eric Towse, David Cunningham, Pat Zink Jackson , Claudia B and Sany Ebsen.  

AS I REMEMBER IT

Halloween is over and all thoughts turn to the next Holiday:  Thanksgiving.  After we sold the farm house, and our family being so large, we had no place to get together.  First we went to the Masonic Temple.  Then my sister had the store and baby sitting space and she would sat up all the tables for the crowd.  

Florence loved the holidays, so after Thanksgiving dinner, everyone was given a chore to prepare for Christmas boxes from the aunts.  We found out what was broken and had to be replaced, what was torn and had to be mended, what was needed, and what was wanted.  We took the month to get it all done and wrapped.  No one seemed to mind getting gifts that were mended, or hand made.  It was a gift.  The special surprize was a trip to Albany where each child could pick out one brand new gift.  

The important part about the Holidays was that it was a time for family to get together.  The gifts were welcomed, but it was the fact that we were all together.  Aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sister, moms and dads.  Now all I have are my sons and usually they work at the ski slopes on Thanksgiving and Christmas days.  I make a turkey for the occasion, and the boys come over and fix a plate and go home to watch football.   Nomore family fun and games, no more sitting around reminicing, just eat and leave me alone with my fond memories.

 

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Fundraiser Nov. 16 for the Bronck Museum

COXSACKIE — Join the Greene County Historical Society for an afternoon of community, history, music, food and drinks as we raise funds to help preserve and protect the architectural heritage of the Bronck Museum. A designated National Historic Landmark, the Bronck Museum features ten major structures that showcase over 350 years of architectural history. At its heart is Pieter Bronck’s stone house, built in 1663—believed to be the oldest surviving home in upstate New York.

The fundraising party will be held at The Wire Event Center located at 60 South River Street in Coxsackie on Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 1pm - 5pm. Greene County Historian Jonathan Palmer will deliver introductory remarks in a short program featuring friends in the local history community. There will be music from Running the River and local musician Luke Barnhart, historical re-enactors, raffles, an assortment of lunch fare and hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. The cost is $75 per person. To purchase tickets visit gchistory.org/fundraiser-party. To pay by check, please make it payable to GCHS and mail it to: P.O. Box 44, Coxsackie, NY 12051.

If you're unable to attend the fundraiser, please consider supporting the Greene County Historical Society with a donation or participating in our online raffle. Pay online to buy raffle tickets towards a variety of gift certificates to local businesses. The “virtual” tickets you buy on our website get turned into actual tickets with your name and placed in buckets for the certificates you want! We’ll draw the winners at the GCHS Fundraising Party on November 16 at The Wire. If you can’t attend the party we’ll mail the gift certificate to you! To participate in the raffle go to following link on the Society website, gchistory.org/gift-card-raffle.

 

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Local History by Dede Terns-Thorpe - Mountaintop Community Rallies After Local Fireman Dies - June 20, 1925 – Eight Others Hurt

 Firefighters-T'ville Hook and Ladder photo

 

APPRECIATE YOUR LOCAL VOLUNTEER FIREMEN!

“Eight Members of Tannersville Fire Department and a State Trooper in Accident at Haines Falls on Monday Night – One Man in Kingston Hospital.”

Harry M. Payne, a 29-year-old fireman was sent to the Kingston City Hospital with a broken leg and other injuries. The firetruck was on its way to a fire at Hotel Kaaterskill’s caretaker’s cabin (the hotel had burned the year prior) when it overturned at Renner’s Corner, corner of 23A and Rotue 18. Firemen Harold Allen and Payne were pinned under the truck, with the six other firemen and Trooper Johnson escaping with minor bruises. Fireman Payne, thought to be the most injured was transported to the Kingston Hospital. (The news article said Fireman Payne was 40, but his headstone in Evergreen Cemetery said his was born in 1896 and died in 1925. 

Recently I found a follow-up story on how the community supported Mrs. Gertrude Payne and her young son, Richard.

The Fire Department created a committee to aid Mrs. Payne with her loss, and to form a trust account for both her and her son. When his son, Richard, turned 17, he would be given a trust fund for his education. His mother would receive $40.00 monthly (Close to $400 today) and $40 would go into Richard’s trust account.

A copy of the letter sent out by the firemen’s committee on July 20, 1925 is below.

“In order to facilitate the work of receiving contributions, the following persons have been named and authorized to receive funds from their respective community. “

Onteora Park                                                       J. W. Worth

Elka Park                                                                James Walsh

Twilight, Santa Cruz & Sunset Parks    Edward France

Haines Falls                                                        Herbert O’Hara

Platt Clove                                                            Milo Claude Moseman

The committee asked the community to give generously.

Delmar Smith & Milton Peck, Committeemen

Thanks for reading. Stay safe and be careful.

Dede Terns-Thorpe/Hunter Historian

 

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Meet Your Cairo Republican Candidates: Debra Bogins and Michael Flaherty

 Debra Bogins

Michael Flaherty

By Jesse Angelino 

As voters here in the Town of Cairo prepare for the upcoming election on November 4, we take this opportunity to introduce two Republican-party candidates who are seeking to build on local government service and take our town into its next chapter: Deputy Supervisor Debra Bogins, running for Supervisor, and Council Member Michael Flaherty, aiming for another term on the Town Board.

Debra Bogins – Candidate for Town Supervisor,

A lifelong resident of the Town of Cairo, Debra Bogins emphasizes her deep ties to the community she calls home. With decades of service in New York State government—primarily in the budget and finance arena—Bogins says she’s well-equipped to lead the town as full-time Supervisor. In her own words:

“I am a lifelong resident of the Town of Cairo, a place I love to call my home. I retired from the state of NY working in the area of Budget and finance. Since I am retired I will be a full time Town Supervisor.”

“I have been endorsed by both the Republican Committee and the Conservative Party for election to this post, but I want you to know that I will represent everyone who lives in our great Town, regardless of their party affiliation."

“My main priority, as a Town Supervisor, will be to reduce our property taxes as much as possible and control any budget increases that may arise over the year. I will consistently eliminate wasteful spending while maintaining the funding for necessary expenses.”

“My vision … begins with a Comprehensive Plan, which the Town of Cairo is now engaged in writing. I want to bring in good paying jobs and I want to keep your sons and daughters here, working at a career and raising a family.”

Bogins currently serves on the Town Board (as a Deputy Supervisor) and stepped up when the current Supervisor opted not to run again. Her campaign platforms focus on fiscal discipline, protecting seniors, supporting working families, and leveraging Cairo’s location in Greene County for economic growth.

Potential plans for Debra's election have included her promise to hold taxes down while maintaining essential services that will resonate with many local homeowners as well as the mention of supporting home-based businesses and recruiting compatible new businesses signals an effort to diversify the town’s economic base.

The Comprehensive Plan process offers an opportunity for broader community participation—and Bogins appears ready to lead that effort.

Michael Flaherty – Candidate for Town Council Member.

Michael Flaherty is currently a member of the Town Board and is running again with a distinctly hands-on vision. When asked why he’s seeking office, he stated:

“I’m very passionate about this. What I have is not just a vision for me—it's for my community, I got my hands in this.”

Flaherty points to several recent initiatives to show his commitment:

He partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency to go door-to-door in South Cairo, performing water tests after concerns arose around the former thermostat-factory site’s possible contamination of the water supply.

He has outfitted the Cairo Police Department with upgraded technology, from modems and computers in squad cars to body-cams and a bilingual translation device for visitors to the local courthouse.

Leveraging grant money, he proposes converting the former American Martial Arts & Fitness Center dojo (on Route 32) into a senior center, complete with daily activities, a cafeteria serving lunch, and a local food bank.

Flaherty frames his candidacy as being about practical improvements in residents’ day-to-day lives—whether it’s safe drinking water, upgraded emergency services, or senior-friendly community infrastructure

The senior-center proposal signals attention to our aging population—a growing demographic in many upstate New York towns.

A reminder to voters that elections matter at the local level—town supervisors and council members make decisions that impact property taxes, local infrastructure, services, and the direction of community growth.

Be sure to vote—and, if you have questions or ideas for the Town, let your candidates (and future office-holders) hear from you.

 

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HALLOWEEN BRUNCH AND “BOOS” - Westkill Lexington Community Improvement Association Fundraiser

West Kill Lexington Community Improvement Association hosted its famous Halloween Brunch fundraiser at the West Kill Community Hall, last weekend, serving up better-than-restaurant style fare. Helping welcome guests were (left to right) Association secretary Devon Russ, Association president Lorrie Kaufmann and board member Glenda Lauten.  “We had over one-hundred people attend. It was very successful and we thank everyone,” said board member and town historian Mary Palazzolo, noting funds raised will help facilitate projects at the West Hill Community Hall such as a new handicap-accessible ramp and future building maintenance related to the lingering effects of Hurricane Irene.

It’s easy to identify lifelong local resident Nancy Dippold (center) and former Lexington town clerk Francine Melodia (right), preparing to serve delicious covered dishes to attendees of the Halloween Brunch, but who is the gruesome dude on the left, scaring everybody away?

Glenda Lauten, well known for her theatrical exploits and singing with the beloved Songbirds chorus, is bewitchingly dressed for the witching season, celebrated last weekend at the West Kill Community Hall in the town of Lexington.

 

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY - Headed for the Hills

By Michael Ryan

MOUNTAINTOP - It is election season, with a couple of, shall we say, humdingers for town supervisor in Jewett and Windham.

Before we get to them, I am electing to tell a story about a raccoon that curiously and strangely snuck up behind me the other night.

It was around one o’clock in the morning. I was out looking at the stars and the black of the night sky, or deep space or whatever is up and over and down there.

The quiet was especially hushed, with no wind. I heard a sound that could have been rose hip bush thorns scraping against metal house flashing.

I didn’t pay it any attention until it happened again, much closer, sounding more like a child kvetching, causing me do a 180 and point my trusty flashlight into the darkness where I saw the raccoon.

It was sitting on its hind legs, whimpering. My immediate thought was, “rabies.” I backed up a bit, wiggled the light and waited for a reaction.

Thinking back, I probably should have bolted but I stood there and the raccoon sat looking at me. It was pleasant, interacting that way.

The little bandit didn’t stay seated long, rising to its paws and moving in my direction, not wobbly or anything but definitely toward me.

Coming to my senses, I darted into the nearby garage, figuring if the thing followed me in there it probably meant it was sick.

It followed me in there and again, looked at me, whimpering softly. I went in the house and loaded the .410, not wanting to use it but not feeling real comfortable leaving the critter to maybe get worse.

I was hoping it would be gone when I returned but it wasn’t, so, as a last resort, I yelled at it to get the heck out of there, which it didn’t.

“Please don’t make me shoot you,” I thought, and I don’t know if the animal was a mindreader or what, but it started moseying into the yard again.

I followed the raccoon for awhile, along some trails I have mowed through the property, before losing track of it when it slipped behind a stone wall.

There has been no sight or sound of “Racky” since then. I told my neighbor about it. He wasn’t fazed at all, telling me wild creatures have been known to communicate with humans, or try to, when one of their own is hurt.

Who knows whether that was the case or not, but the raccoon was certainly doing something and never got aggressive or ran, stopping a few times on its sojourn through the trails to innocently glance back at me.

There are four people running for two supervisor seats, one each in the town of Jewett and Windham, that are politically tantalizing.

In Jewett, Greg Kroyer, the Republican incumbent, was running unopposed for a second term until suddenly he wasn’t after John Pumiiia, a fellow Republican, announced a write-in candidacy.

The announcement, three weeks ago, came amidst rising tensions within the town board that recently overflowed into a rare and very public, profanity-infused display of deep discord.

Frictions extend beyond the election and if Kroyer wins, Pumilia would keep his council seat for two more years, setting the stage for who knows what.

And tensions are not limited to Kroyer and Pumilia, also involving highway superintendent Bob Mallory, chairman of the local GOP, who has gone nose-to-nose with Kroyer.

The second humdinger - a word my dad often used - is in Windham where incumbent Republican Thomas Hoyt is opposed by Connor Exum.

Exum announced his intentions to run over a year ago, getting the local Democratic Party endorsement, this past summer, and rather quickly causing three stirs in the GOP-ruled town.

The first stir is having a Democrat run at all, although it has become less noticeable in recent years, following the 40-year stint of the late and seldom-if-ever challenged, highly respected T. Patrick Meehan.

Second is Exum’s self-described link to Anarcho-Syndicalism (you can look it up) which has apparently raised the hair on the back of the necks of Democratic Party leadership all the way to the State level.

Exum has fought back, saying the Democrats’ discomfort is fear-mongering and rooted, “in the fact that I welcome challenges to local government and a vigorous debate by our residents with their representative government to create the best policies for this community.”

Which brings us to the third stir, Hoyt’s declining of an invitation by Exum to engage in a public debate, with Hoyt doing what incumbent supervisors with six years in office often do, stick to their record.

The underdog is Exum, for sure. Hoyt is taking nothing for granted, putting up a plethora of campaign billboards, going door-to-door and airing local radio ads featuring high praise from Assemblyman Chris Tague.

Exum is active on social media and regularly attends town board meetings where he sets up a camera and is a frequent enquirer, resulting in some sparks flying between the two candidates.

If you find these kinds of things entertaining, keep your popcorn ready. New York State has changed election law, so however it goes in Windham, the outcome will be for only one year.

Voters in Windham could be back at it again next November, which is maybe why that friendly raccoon has already headed for the hills.

 

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Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

The Town of Lexington Fire/Rescue Company Ladies Auxiliary held their annual dinner/meeting at the Chicken Run in Windham on Thursday, Oct. 23.  Attending members were:  JoEllen Schermerhorn, Charlotte Jaeger, Helen Kerr, Chris Dwon, Jannel Mellott, Rose Williams, Linda Van Etten, Carol Constable, Kathy Jordan, Ann Riccardella and guest Janice Mellott.  The ladies had delicious meals, excellent service and thoroughly enjoyed their time spent together.

The Greene Room Players Songbirds concert at the Lexington Historical Society Building on Oct. 25 was very well attended.  The Songbirds are so talented and it is such a pleasure to see and hear these ladies sing.

The West Kill/Lexington Community Improvement Association thanks everyone who came to the Halloween Brunch Oct. 26 at the Community Hall in West Kill.  As every year, the food was bountiful and delicious and so many choices.    Of course, thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this brunch such a success.

Happy birthday to Nora Carr on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Happy birthday wishes to Ann Riccardella on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Also celebrating a birthday on Nov. 4 is Emma Wilson.

Nov. 4 is Amanda Truesdell’s birthday.

Celebrating their anniversary on Wednesday, Nov. 5 are Diane Pendarvis and Roger Staley.

Sue and Alfred Truesdell celebrate their wedding anniversary on Nov. 5.

Best wishes to everyone.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4 and there will be a takeout Brooks Chicken BBQ Dinner at the Lexington/West Kill UMC, 54 County Route 13A, Lexington from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., free will offering.  You are invited to have a seat and enjoy your takeout meal in the dining hall if you wish.

To honor Veterans, HTC and WAJ schools have scheduled Veterans Assemblies.  Teachers and students have outstanding programs.  HTC program is Friday, Nov. 7, 8:30 a.m. at Veterans’ Monument in Tannersville with breakfast after and again at 10:30 a.m. at the Hunter Elementary School.  WAJ’s Veterans Assembly is Monday, Nov. 10 at 1:15 p.m.

Community Night Out Veterans Day Bingo on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in the Tannersville Rescue Squad Building.  Everyone is welcome to the family-friendly event.  Doors open at 5 p.m., and games start at 6 p.m.  Admission $5, free for children and veterans.  There will be kid-friendly activities.  Food sold on site – hot dogs, chili, chips and drinks.  Presented by the American Legion and Mountain Top Library.

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 518-821-71987 or Antoinette Fisher at 518-821-9190.  Kits are sponsored in part by the Hunter Foundation, the Platte Clove Community, HTC Community Families and Mrs. Puddle Ducks.

The Greene County Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of Nov. 3 – Nov. 7 is as follows:  Monday—Chicken Dijon, mashed potatoes, Sonoma vegetable mix, peaches; Tuesday—Vote Today—Department and all meal sites closed—no meals; Wednesday—American goulash, corn, green beans, butterscotch pudding; Thursday—Salmon with dill sauce, broccoli, rice pilaf, fresh fruit; Friday—BBQ pulled pork, baked beans, carrots, coleslaw, apple crisp.  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.

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, Nov. 2, so turn your clocks back an hour before going to bed Saturday night.

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.

Don’t forget Halloween is Friday, Oct. 31.  Watch out for the kiddos who are out trick or treating.

 

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Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

Last week’s article noted that our next bingo night was incorrect, bingo will be held on Thursday November 6 at 6 p.m. Just one of those senior moments I will blame on that misinformation. Come on out at have some fun with us and hope you are a winner. 

Our fellow war veteran, Fall is in full swing, and many VFW initiatives and deadlines are on the horizon for not only our members, but for the service members, veterans and communities we serve.

Here's a snapshot of a few important initiatives already upon us: if you’re a student veteran, or know someone who is and could use a little extra help paying for school, the VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" application is due Nov. 15. 

Sport Clips has launched its annual "Help A Hero" campaign to raise $1.35 million through Nov. 15, in support of the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” program. Your next haircut can help fund scholarships for veterans and service members making the transition from military to civilian careers.

Do you know a middle or high school student who loves to write? They can win their share of more than $3 million in scholarships and awards, but only if they submit a Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen essay entry to a participating Post before the Oct. 31 deadline.

Our post will be holding a tag day on Saturday, November 8, prior to Veterans Day. We will be at the intersection of State Route 23 and County Route 296 from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m.

Stop and help support our efforts. We will be handing out American Flags. Thank you in advance for your contribution.

These funds go towards our donations to Stratton VA Hospital, our Service Officers throughout the State of NY which guide all veterans through the process of receiving their due benefits. 

Veterans Day honors all who have served in the United States Armed Forces, both living and deceased, acknowledging their sacrifice, courage, and dedication to the country. The holiday is a day to thank living veterans for their service, while its origins lie in "Armistice Day," which commemorated the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. 

Some additional facts regarding Veterans Day: Hostilities in World War I ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice, or peace agreement, with Germany went into effect. 

Armistice Day began as a celebration recognizing the victory of the Allied forces of WWI. It was renamed Veterans Day by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954 and is now dedicated to service members of all wars.

Veterans Day wasn’t always celebrated on November 11. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Bill, which ensured three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day.

This bill assigned the fourth Monday of October as the original date for Veterans Day, but many states disapproved of this decision. In 1975, President Gerald Ford returned Veterans Day to Nov. 11, anchoring it to this historically significance day. 

1.8 million served in the Korean War, 2.7 million served in the Vietnam War and 650,000 served in the Gulf War. This year on Veterans Day be sure to thank a veteran for their service and — even better — strike up a conversation about what they did when they were in uniform. Without them, our country would not be what it is today.

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

Marc Farmilette, PDC ~ Commander VFW Post 1545

 

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