Thompsons Lake, Sept. 19, 2013

I want everyone who reads my column to know that I appreciate the compassion you have shown toward me and my family and I am trying to keep busy and in the old routine to move past my sorrows.

I spent Monday trying to get a lot of the paperwork done that needs completing after a death.

I purposely worked at the Primary Election on Tuesday to give my mind a day of rest from grieving.

I spent Wednesday with Danielle and Zoey to enjoy their company because she plans to return to work on Monday.

She is actually gone 10 hours a day on work days. It was just a relaxing day for the two of us.

On Thursday, Danielle wanted to buy a dresser at the second hand store at Stonewell. We went and picked up the dresser with Dan’s truck and my grandson, Miles Pangburn came and carried it in for us.

On Thursday evening I went to a 7th grade open house for my granddaughter, Kyra Swan, with my daughter, Marcia.

Friday came and my highlight was going to Schoharie with my grandson, Brandon Clark, to pick up his children, Samson and Nichole for the weekend.

Kyra also rode with us and spent the evening with us.

Saturday was supposed to be a house cleaning day for me and while I did that, my sister, Pat Sykala, from Schenectady came and trimmed all the bushes around my house. What a difference! It looks so neat now.

On Saturday, my daughter, Kathy, and her husband, Gary Carnevale, came to Danny’s house and planted a memorial garden on the lawn where he died. They planted a large hydrangea tree and Stella Doro day lilies. They are perennials and constantly bloom all summer. They are yellow and one huge one is named the Big Happy. Dan’s favorite color was yellow and his favorite saying was “Happy, Happy, Happy”. The garden is absolutely beautiful.

On Sunday we went to church. After church Jenn Smith wanted to treat Samson and Nichole to a visit to Dave and Buster’s. It’s a new game entertainment center at Crossgates Mall.

Brandon and I went along. Earlier in the day, Nichole had told me she didn’t spend enough time with me and it encouraged me to spend the afternoon with them. The love of children took my mind off my trouble.

My daughter, Marcia Pangburn, and granddaughter, Kyra joined us along with Iain Bullis, Jenn’s son. The children enjoyed the atmosphere and games. It was a little dark and noisy for the adults.

We ended the day with a drive to Schoharie and dropped Samson and Nichole off at their mother’s. I was tired but filled with family love.

Special event

On Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Knox Reformed Church a very special event is planned. At 4:30 p.m., in the sanctuary, Wally Quay and the Knight Riders will perform an eclectic array of music and songs.

Immediately following the concert everyone is invited to the stage in the community room to view delectable creations by local bakers at the church’s fifth cakewalk.

These cakes are made from scratch. Participants in the cakewalk will have a minimum of 10 chances to win a cake by purchasing 10 tickets. Place the tickets in a container in front of the cakes of your choice. Only one cake per person will be awarded, so if someone is fortunate enough to win more than one, they need to choose which cake they bring home to enjoy.

They are accepting cakes for the cakewalk. Call Gayle Burgess at 872-2492.

At about 6:30 p.m., a harvest dinner will be served. The menu includes a salad bar, carving station with baked ham and turkey breast, and a station with potatoes and vegetables. A make-your-own sundae bar, compliments of Stewart’s Shops will top off the evening. Coffee, tea, milk and water will be served.

The concert and dinner will cost $12 per son. There will be a $5 charge for the concert only. Dinner only is $10. Dinners for children ages 4 to 10 years old will be $5; concert and dinner will be $6. For children 3 and under all is free.

Call Jennie Stevens at 872-2199 to make reservations. All proceeds from the event will be used to help pay for needed building and equipment improvements.

Benefit concert

Celebrating Life is coming to Westerlo and Clarksville churches; Sept 22 and Oct. 6 respectively. The concert will be held at the Westerlo Reformed Church on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. There will be a free will offering to benefit the food pantry. Wally Jones will be the musical celebration director for both churches. Refreshments will be served after each program. Everyone is welcome.

On Oct. 6 at the Clarksville Community Church the concert is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Those participating in the concert at both churches are Alice Parker, Theresa Bey and Sue Nelson, sopranos; Bill Straney, tenor; Richard Brumley, baritone and guitarist; Michelle Cenci, violinist; Pat Viglucci, alto saxaphone, Squeeze Box players, accordion, and drummers; John Gallagher, bagpipes; Wally Jones, pianist, organist, composer, and director.

The concert will include popular music including Christian and classical music. Again, everyone is invited.

 

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