Just a few weeks ago, there were millions of people glued to the television watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The three-hour Macy's event is held in New York City starting at 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thanksgiving Day, and has been televised nationally on NBC since 1952. This parade started in 1924.

 While this is the most well-known Thanksgiving Parade, it ties for the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States, along with America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit, Michigan.

Both parades are four years younger than the 6abc Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania originally known as the Gimbel’s parade. This parade was first held in 1920 and has had many different sponsors over the years.

Other cities hosting parades include the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade of Chicago, Illinois, and parades in Plymouth, Massachesetts, Seattle, Washington, Houston, Texas, Detroit, Michigan, and Fountain Hills, Arizonis. A parade is also held at the two U.S. Disney theme parks.

In the spotlight

Immediately following the Macy’s Parade many of the viewer’s settle in to their next favorite passion — no, not football — celebrating America's continued fascination with man's best friend, from the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, The National Dog Show presented by Purina. It is hosted by actor, author and Broadway star John O'Hurley. The two-hour live event featured 2,000 of the nation's leading dogs from over 170 breeds, including the world’s largest, smallest and most exotic. In the end there can only be one Best in Show.

However, Best of Show has nothing to do with an individual’s love for their pet. When a dog owner comes through the door and is greeted by a furry ball of frenzy yipping, hopping, and slobbering all over them, it is a scene that warms the heart. The feeling of total love is one that can wipe away any remorse for all of those broken knick-knacks that are swept off of a table by a wagging tail.

The feeling of total love warms the heart even on those cold nights when you have to leave a warm house to walk your dog. A pet does not have to be a pedigree to win over your heart.

Show you care

 In return for their love, you are expected to do a few simple things to show that you care for them just as much as they care for you. First, you need to show them all of the affection that you can. A scratch behind the ears or a rub on the belly is a very good start. Sitting with a small dog or cat on your lap is also good because you can pet them while watching television or talking with another human. Exercise is important to your pet, so frequent walks will not only help them, but it might take a few inches off of your waistline.

As temperatures begin to drop, you need to worry about your pet and the amount of time they spend outdoors. During this colder weather you should keep them indoors as much as possible. If your pet is essentially an indoor pet this will not be much of a problem.

Short exposure to the outside cold can be fine and should not be detrimental. Dogs and cats shiver a lot just like people do. This helps generate body heat in cold climates. If your pet shivers while outside, then you should shorten your walks. If they shiver indoors providing extra bedding of blankets or towels will help to keep them warm and cozy. Also make sure there is plenty of water available to keep them properly hydrated.

You need to be especially cautious with older cats and dogs. These seniors can be just like humans with degenerative joints or other chronic debilitating conditions. Make sure they have soft warm bedding and since arthritis worsens with cold weather make sure you handle them gently.

Remember that whatever kind of pet you have you must be the caretaker and family interpreter. Pets cannot speak your language and will need you to translate for them. You need to know when they are hungry in order to feed them proper nourishing meals.

Keep them entertained with interactive toys like treat balls or other independent play toys. Train them to have good behavior and not jump up on people. Proper house training is an essential.

Always supervise interaction between your pets and newcomers to the family. You can teach them how to act around each other. Give them a treat and praise them so they associate the newcomer with good things. You will be laying the foundation between your pet and new family and new friends.

Giving thanks

November and December are filled with a plethora of reasons to celebrate.

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to give thanks for an untold number of wonderful things that have occurred during the year. Veterans Day is an opportunity to give thanks for all of the men and women who have fought to keep our country strong and safe. Pet shows and parades give us a chance to remember how valuable dogs and cats are for our comfort and peace of mind.

Pearl Harbor Day is a reminder to always be on alert for attacks from evil forces who want to do away with our freedom. Christmas and Hanukkah are reminders that it is our responsibility to care for others who cannot care for themselves.

What are you celebrating this month?

Victorian Holidays

The weather was perfect for the Victorian Holiday activities in Altamont this past weekend — little cool, but not snowing or raining. Visitors to the Masonic Temple enjoyed viewing the beautifully decorated trees and wreaths.  There were 18 to 20 wreaths that went home with the highest bidder. Mr. Person, the clown, entertained the children and all enjoyed the delicious refreshments made by members of Helderberg Chapter, OES.

Folks enjoyed visiting various homes in the village and many wandered over to Lincoln Ave. to view the living nativity.

Around five o'clock, folks  gathered in Orsini Park for the lighting of the trees and all enjoyed the arrival of the train with Santa Claus aboard.  Additional coverage of the weekend was covered by The Altamont Enterprise.

Hats off to Altamont Community Traditions for once again pulling off a fantastic holiday event for the folks in Altamont and visitors from the surrounding communities.  

Cyprus Temple

This past Sunday, members of Cyprus Temple held their Christmas holiday party at the Cyprus Temple in Glenmont. Members and their families enjoyed delicious refreshments, holiday singing, and socializing.

Make-A-Wish

Students at the Farnsworth Middle School remind the public that they will be selling "Stars" through Friday, Dec. 19.  They had 200 stars to sell, and it is their desire to sell out.  Monies raised from this event will help grant "wishes for local children".

Stars will be available Friday morning in Mohawk/Hiawatha, Tawasentha, and Seneca houses. Public support helps the students at FMS show that they care.

Christmas Eve Mass

St. Lucy/St. Bernadette Church on Grand Street in Altamont will hold their Christmas Eve masses on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 4 and 7 p.m.  Christmas Day Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m.  

Masters and Warden

dinner

Helderberg Chapter No. 331, recently  served a lasagna dinner for the Masters and Wardens of the Albany district.  Members assisting included Beverly Harrington, Colleen Stoltzfus, and Ginny Ucci. Monies received from this event have been donated to the Grand Matron and Grand Patron's project especially Cleft Palate Reconstruction at the Shriner's Hospital in Springfield, Mass.

Anniversary

Happy Anniversary wishes are extended to Gayle and John Addyman who will celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary on Dec. 20.

Birthdays

Happy-birthday wishes are extended to the following;

— Jenna Rose Munroe, Stephen Usher, and Kelly Whalen on Dec. 20;

— Sandra Ginsburg on Dec. 21;

— Kathy Johnson on December 22;

— Valerie Brittel and Scott Grant on Dec. 24; and

— Diane Adams, Noella Gilhooly, and Holly Moore on Dec. 25.

And, may we not forget it is the birth of the Baby Jesus celebrated world-wide on the 25th.

Merry Christmas to all.