Hilltowns Senior News for Friday, July 22, 2016

Our July 9 meeting was supposed to be at the Knox town park. But, because of a rainy forecast, the higher-ups decided it was best to have it at the senior center. There was some grumbling, but indeed it turned out to be a rainy day.

We still had our picnic with the good food and hamburgers on the grill. Now hamburgers on the grill did present a problem, because the grillers got soaked. Thanks to the Walls and Vincents for putting up with Mother Nature.

So, we also ended up having a short meeting. Birthday greetings were sung to Lois Wood, Mike Vincent, Carl Remmers, Shirley Slingerland, and Frances Miller who is celebrating her 97th.

Anniversaries were acknowledged for Stephanie and Carl Remmers and Karen and Marty Grossman.

Dan McCoy, Albany County Executive; Travis Stevens, County Legislator; and the Berne and Knox supervisors joined us for a minute.

While they were there, I presented Mace Porter, one of our veterans, with a scrapbook of our trip to Washington, D.C. We had pictures taken and stories to tell.

Upcoming trips

Talking about travel we have two trips coming up. On Aug. 25 we are going out Cooperstown way for wine tasting, Fly Creek ,and Brooks BBQ. The cost for members is $20 and non-members $30.

Then, on Sept. 14 we are going to New York City to the 9/11 museum. You can go on your own and also take a 1-hour tour.  Dinner is on your own at Olive Garden on the way home. The cost is $45 for members and $65 for non-members. This will be our only stop in NYC as I am told it takes hours to go through. These trips are opened to the public.

Past events

Our trip to the Essex Railroad and boat ride was a complete success. The car we were in was air conditioned and the lunch great. The conductor was very entertaining and provided us with some interesting facts. We also celebrated a birthday and anniversary. The boat ride was very refreshing and we had trouble deciding which house we would like to have on the river.

My memory books aren't doing so well. Bert Miller and Elsie Turon shared their memories of their siblings and early childhood.

This month we are writing about our school days. So, this should be very interesting as someone suggested that if they didn't bring their papers back there would be no dessert. John Rossman said he would bring his own! Out in the hall for him.

Dan McCoy was the winner of our 50/50 and he returned his winnings to the club. Thank you Dan.

There did you notice I just called Mr. McCoy, Dan. I hope it isn't that I am getting older (getting older?) and he is the age of my son.

I never called Mr. Breslin, Mike, he was always Mr. Breslin. We talked about this in church one Sunday. We are starting if we haven't already, to lose traditions and standards. Also, our pride and priorities. I remember when one of my son's friends called me Linda. I almost fainted.

Do you call your minister “Reverend”, your doctor, “Doctor”? (By the way, Gary Kolanchick has definitely  left the building and is now living in Maine. What do kids call their teachers? I guess we better not ask them.

Have you noticed that the president isn't spoken to as Mr. President. It’s now Mr. So-and-so. Or maybe Mrs. So-and-so. Even the president. When I see him without a suit or tie, I just want to say, "Hey, aren't you the number one man of our country? Show me some respect. I am not your buddy.” And there go our traditions and standards, pride, and priorities.

Well, enough. I hope you are all staying cool. Check on your neighbors. And remember to give to your food pantries.

Quote

My mother used to say, " The older you get, the better you get, unless you're a banana!"