1995-03-14
T
AGENDA
RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
MARCH 14, 1995
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PRESENT:
APPROVE MINUTES: - February 7, 1995
Corrections:
Approved
Seconded
CORRESPONDENCE
1. Letter from Hughsonville Fire District - Re: Approval for use of their facilities
2. Letter from Dory D'Agostino, So. Dutchess Women's Softball - Request for Fields
3. Letter from D. C. Youth Bureau - Re: DFY Fiscal Policies & Procedures Manuel
4. Letter from D. C. Youth Bureau Re: Youth Issues Forum at Town Hall 4/26/95
5. Letter from Karen Hagstrom Re: Rockingham Incidents
6. Proposal from C. & J. Caterers - Re: West Point Concert
REPORTS
K.D.
B.R.
J.E.
R.F.
B.G.
E.K.
S.M.
J.C.
R.J.H.
OLD BUSINESS - Babysitting Course
Transportation for Fun in the Park
NEW BUSINESS - O'Hara Fence - Spook Hill
MEETING ADJOURNED
NEXT MEETING
..
i
RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
March 14, 1995
The Regular meeting of the Town of Wappinger Recreation Committee was held March
14, 1995 at Schlathaus Park, All Angels Hill Road, Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County, New
York.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Ralph 1. Holt. Others present
were Bernie Reimer, Director and Committee Members James Chappas, Joseph Ennesser, Ronald
Friedman, Barbara Gutzler and Ellen Korz. Stephen Miller arrived at 7:40 p.m.
The minutes of the February 7, 1995 meeting were approved on a motion by Mr. Friedman
seconded by Miss Gutzler.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received from the Hughsonville Fire District giving approval for the use of
their facilities for our summer program June 26th to August II tho They also requested that we
instruct the counselors that the children are not to leave litter or use graffiti on the premises. They
also should not allow children in the firehouse unsupelVised as the phone is for emergency use
only. Mr. Ennesser mentioned that we should so something around the bottom of the slide where
it is coming out of the ground. We should put some sand around it.
A letter was, received from Dory D'Agostino, President of the Southern Dutchess Women's
Softball League requesting use of Castle Point and Quiet Acres for their softball season. Mr.
Reimer mentioned that he has already spoken with Dory and has scheduled them for Castle Point
on Wednesdays and Fridays and at Quiet Acres on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
A memo was received from Betsy Brockway, Dutchess County Youth Bureau including
the DYF Fiscal Policies and Procedures Manual. The memo also referred to the 1995-1996 state
budget and that Gov. Pataki has re-appropriated all three DYF funding streams.
A letter was received which was addressed to SupelVisor Smith from Betsy Brockway,
Executive Director of the Dutchess County Youth Bureau. The letter stated that the Office of the
D. C. Executive and the Youth Bureau were holding a regional forum on .Y outh Issues in
Dutchess County. and the new. County Comprehensive Plan's Needs and Goals. at the Town Hall
on Wednesday, April 26th. Mr. Reimer and Mr. Holt will try to attend.
A letter was received from Karen Hagstrom, Assistant District Attorney regarding the
second incident at Rockingham Park. We have discussed this letter with SupelVisor Smith and she
said we didn't have to reply as she told them it would cost $450. and that she wanted the boys to do
the work. They will be going before the judge soon.
A proposal was received from C. & 1. Caterers for the buffet for the West Point Concert
which is to be held at Roy C. Ketcham on April 28, 1995. Mr. Reimer mentioned that West Point
did request this and it was decided the we need to plan for approximately 60 people. Mr. Reimer
mentioned that the West Point Officials have requested that we again invite the Castle Point
veterans. We did this a couple of years ago and they really enjoyed the concert. He said he was
placing an ad in the paper on April 19th and requested Mr. Holt to speak with someone about
getting a press release and picture in the paper on April 26th. He will also advertise on the radio,
T. V. and thru posters.
Also attending this meeting were Dr. Arman Manasar, Bob Brewer, and Jim Whalen
regarding the installation of the batting cages in memory of Corey Castellano. Dr. Manasarnoted
that thru the efforts of a lot of people the memorial fund has done very well and they have raised
enough money for two batting cages. They are still going forward with their funding and are
holding a benefit dance on March 24th at the Holiday Inn in Fishkill.. Dr. Manasar also noted that
he has spoken with a Mr. Carbone who is doing a fencing project at the Dutchess County Jail and
that he and a Mike Donnelly have expressed their desire to donate the materials and time for a third
batting cage. The materials for this third cage match what we are already using.
Dr. Manasar mentioned that Little League has already ordered the pitching machines along
with the matting and protective equipment.
The committee has discussed with Mr. Ennesser and Mr. Friedman the material for the base
of the cages. Dr. Manasar mentioned that he had also called Little League Headquarters in
Williamsport and also Eastern Regional Headquarters. He also contacted Atech the maker of the
batting machines and they suggested pea stone, granite, sand or grass. The material used also has
to be clean so it won't adhere to the balls and ruin the pitching machines. N.Y. Trap Rock has
agreed to provide the base material. Ron Blake has offered the use of his machinery to dig and B.
& D. Excavators will haul the material. It was recommended 3 inches of 3/4 stone and 5 inches of
stonesand for the base.. Mr. Holt, Mr. Friedman and Mr. Ennesser will meet with Dr. Manasar and
his committee tomorrow to determine a suitable location so construction could start as soon as
possible. We will be focusing on the construction of the two cages for the time being.
Mr. Ennesser mentioned that we could use the fill for some of the safety problems around
the footings of the dugouts.
It was also indicated that before these cages are used Little League must put together a
procedure for its use.
Mr. Ennesser mentioned that he will work with the committee regarding the sign to be
mounted on the fence depicting the names of the donors.
It was noted that the committee is basically donating the physical plant of the cages and the
base and donating them to the Town. Little League will be purchasing the equipment and if any
storage buildings are going to be constructed it will be through them.
The committee also asked if they could put up a large sign similiar to the one on Memorial
Field. We will discuss this further and requested more information. They will work with Mr.
Ennesser regarding the signs.
One of the members present requested that after it has been officially donated to the Town
that a letter be sent to them physically accepting it. It can be just a short note for their files.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Mr. Reimer mentioned that the Easter Show is scheduled for April 8th. Letters will go out
to those who signed up giving specifics regarding times the bus leaves etc. We had to notify the
bus company by March 15th whether we want tickets for the Christmas show. Mr. Reimer said
that he has put in a request for tickets for a Saturday show on November 18th and another for a
Wednesday, December 6th.
The Wappinger Modified Softball League .Bob Drennan's League. is now being run by Ed
Gaine. They have been given 3 nights at Castle Point and will start on April 24th.
The proposed tennis schedule is in with the first adult session going May 2nd to June 1 st;
second session June 27th to July 27th and the third session August 1st to August 24th. Mr.
Reimer mentioned that registration for the May session will be during the week of April lOth. Mr.
Holt mentioned that the Town Board approved our request to resurface the 2 courts on Montfort
Road. Weare waiting work from Copeland regarding the scheduling of this work.
The regular concert schedule is complete. Mr. Reimer noted that he has received a call
from a.B lue Grass. band from Oregon. They will be in N.Y. for a festival on July 13th and they
are interested in doing a few concerts in our area. They normally charge $1,200. but are willing to
perform for $500. Mr. Reimer asked if we should consider adding a night either Monday or
Tuesday 7/10 ro 7/11. It was decided that if we have the funds in the budget we should try to get
them. Another suggestion was to go together with East Fishkill and split the cost and we both
would advertise.
The summer planning is coming along. As of today we have received approximately 70
applications with 30 returning people leaving 40 for approximately 6 or 7 openings.
The registration schedule (dates) have been approved by the Supervisor and will be
published in the paper the schedule from 7 - 8:30 is as follows: April 24 - Monday - Castle Point
and Quiet Acres; April 25 - Tuesday - Hughsonville and Robinson Lane; May I - Monday - Martz
Field; May 9. - Tuesday - Spook Hill; May 15 - Monday - Castle Point, Quiet Acres, and Robinson
Lane; May 22 - Monday - Martz Field; May 23 - Tuesday - Hughsonville and Spook Hill. A sheet
will be sent around at the next meeting for volunteers to help with the sign ups. Please check your
schedules before the meeting.
Registration for the basketball camp will be held at the same time.
CHELSEA BOAT RAMP
Mr. Ennesser mentioned that he has received the P.O.'s for the repair of the boat ramps. He
has also talked with .Mike. at Chelsea and he is willing to work with us to drive the pilings
although he hasn't given us price. Weare targeting the end of April to get this work done. Mr.
Chappas asked when the pennits for the boat ramp were going to be sold as many people have
been asking him. As far as we know, that is on hold pursuant to Supervisor Smith.
SPOOK HILL
Mr. Miller reported that the area is quite soggy. The lights are up and he asked why they
put both on the same pole. He also mentioned that a Mrs. O'Hara asked if we could continue the
stockade fence or put something up to deter the kids from going thru her yard. Mr.Miller looked at
what was there and said he thought we would need 20-30' of fencing. Mr. Holt will have Mr.
Tompkins check on some prices to do this work. He mentioned that the maintenance guys could
clear out the dead brush on the left side of the park when it dries up some.
ROBINSON LANE
Mr. Friedman noted 3 items that should be repaired-I. Roof on dugout one of the dugouts
2. graffiti on dugout 11, and 3. block work on dugout at R3 #8.
Mr. Friedman noted that the Dutchess Debs have requested 8 fields for their tournament
scheduled for July 28-July 30. He made mention that Little League may be running a tournament
at that time and would need some of the fields. He also mentioned that Little League wanted us to
charge them $75.00 for each field for the use of the bases etc. We said that is between Little
League and the Debs. Regarding the care of the fields, etc. they should put in writing to us any
problems so we are aware of them. Mr. Reimer will speak with Mr. Oken regarding this request.
BRIAR LANE
Miss Gutzler ask about establishing a right of way for the above property. She said one of
the things she would like to see would be a little . meditation area.. She has called BOCES and
asked if they ever do anything for municipalities in turn for credit. They said that it was a nice idea
and that they would think about it and get back to her.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Mr. Holt mentioned that he had attended the Town Board workshop on Monday night
regarding the salaries for the summer program. He spoke of the responsibility of the counselors
and he gave out a form stating what their requirements are. As far as we are concerned, we have
one of the best run programs. One concern of the Town Board was the fact that we seen to.hire
.families.. They would like to see us spread around a little more. Mr. Holt assured them that we
always look for the best qualified. The Town Board thought the program itselfwas great.
Mr. Paggi was also at the same workshop and therefore because there was some time, they
reviewed the plan for Airport Park. He has a plan which calls for a small field to the left, 2
regulation fields and I other field which is 90-95% regulation. Parking will be on the left and a
paved road will run parallel to Airport Park Road and paving throughout to separate all the fields.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $393,000. What we are doing at this time is spending
$110,000. of which $50,000. is from Parkland which was approved last year and the balance will
come from some other Town source. What they will do now is 1 of the 2 regulation fields, and
parking on the left for 70 - 90 cars. The other 3 fields are not being done now but will be able to
be used as practice fields.
Supervisor Smith has also requested a copy of the roster for the Wappinger United Soccer
League to determine how many of the participants are not Town of Wappinger residents. She has
had a discussion with SupelVisor Pagones ofFishkill and is trying to work something out with
them to contribute something toward the program.
Mr. Holt was also informed that Mr. Paggi is working on the plans for Castle Point Well
project and that the work is scheduled to be done by April 27th the deadline for the C.D. funds.
SENIOR CITIZEN REPORT
Mrs. DeLisa was unable to attend the meeting but sent a report on the senior activities for
the month of February. This report is attached to these minutes.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Ennesser seconded by Mr.
Miller.
Peggy Roe
Secretary
NEXT MEETING APRIL 11,1995 AT SCHLATHAUS PARK AT 7:30 P.M.
BILLS PAID DURING MARCH 1995
A-1990.5 NYSRPS 80.00
Park & Grounds Management 16.00
A-1620AO CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC
Schlathaus Park 7808-0400-01-0 58.11
All Angels Hill Road 7808-0390-00-4 107.66
Regency Drive 7902-1435-00-7 55.28
Tennis Courts 7690-0425-00-0 34.58
A-1620Al NYNEX
Barn Montfort Road 297-3692 30.33
Martz Field 297 -9928 4.31
Schlathaus Park 297-4752 26.28
Spook Hill Park 297-9861 5.60
Quiet Acres 297-7780 4.30
FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS
Robinson Lane 227-9434 21.73
A-71IOAO Chris Bar Electric 170.00
D. Silvestri Sons Inc. 1096.55
Chris Bar Electric 1846.00
Grossman's 19.70
Pine Plains Ford Tractor, Inc. 108.46
Dan Zag Royal Auto Parts 52.70
Bottini Fuel Corp. 75.29
Bottini Fuel Corp. 105.31
A-7140AO Petty Cash 10.48
A-7620.40 Coffee Systems of Hudson Valley 52.00
Jamesway 175.29
Reminisce 29.96
Petty Cash 98.53
Time 29.97
Poughkeepsie Journal 27.30
Petty Cash 32.23
B-731O.40 Petty Cash 51.28
MARCH 1995 REPORT TO THE RECREATION COMMISSION
FOR THE MONTH OF FEBUARY
SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER
February activities at the Senior Citizen Center included
the regular schedule of arts/crafts, oil painting, exercise,
line dancing, photo club, videos, bingo, puzzles, cards and
games. The Center was closed Feb. 20th for President's Day.
The Seniors celebrated Valentine's Day with a Valentine's
Ball at the Holiday Inn on the 15th. The seniors elected
Anne Peters as their Queen of Hearts and Tony Carielli as
their King of Hearts to reign at the Ball. The Queen and
King gave each of their "subjects" a chocolate heart. There
was a dance contest and prizes for the best Cha Cha and the
best Twist dancers. Music was by Johnny Dell. All had a
great time!
On Feb. 22nd the seniors celebrated George Washington's
birthday with cherry pie and ice cream.
Blood pressure screening was available on the 8th. Diana
Weibrecht from the Office of the Aging was at the Center on
the 9th. The monthly birthday party was on the 24th.
Jennifer Marasco from Dutchess Community College began as
an intern on Jan. 31 and has been at the Center Tues. and
Thurs.
There are 200 seniors registered at the Center and 159 on
the waiting list.
ITEMS TO BE NOTED:
1. I spoke to Cindy at the Fishkill Senior Center regarding
transportation to Fun In The Park. We both agreed that to
discuss this further once the date of this event is
announced.
2. Bear Mountain Park schedules several Senior events. The
seniors are interested in attending a Country Line Dance on
Aug. 16. However, there is not transportation provided. Is
it possible to rent a school bus? Other idea?
3. To accomodate those seniors on the waiting list, I have
permitted them to participate in the exercise/line dancing
classes since these are held in the large room. These
classes are now almost filled to capacity.
4. March events include a St. Patrick's Day party and
bowling at the Holiday Hoe Bowl.
5. The first trip of the year is to the Westchester
Broadway Theater on March 23rd to see Gigi.
MARCH
1995
TOWN..OF WAPPINGER SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER: QPEN 10:00A.M~-3:00P.M.
20 Middlebush Rd., Wappingers Falls, NY. 12590 Phone: 297-3670 Direotor: OKathi DeLisa
MON.
FRI.
TUES.
WED.
THURS.
KARCH BIRTHDAYS:
1 Peter Burgazzoli
1 Evelyn Goranson
1 Aileen Cooke
5 Loisa Burgazzoli
10 Dorothy Squires
25 Stella Boldrin
6 I
I
10-Noon: arts/orafts
, NOON: LUNCH
12:30-3: oards/games
13 I
I
10-Noon: arts/orafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30~3: oards/games
20 I
I
10-Noon: arats/orafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30-3: oards/games
127
I I
110-Noon: arts/orafts
I NOON: LUNCH
112:30-3: aards/games
I
1
~
26 George Brannen
28 Dora Doxey
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
71
I
10-Noon:OIL PAINTING
10-Noon: arts/orafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30-3: oards/games
I 1 I ASH WEDNESDAY
1 I
10-11: EXERCISE
10-Noon: arts/orafts
Noon: LUNCH
12:45-2: BINGO!BINGO!
8 110-NOON: BLOOD
I PRESaURE!!!!
EXERCISED CANCELLED! !
10-Noon: arts/orafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30-3: oards/games
14 1 15 I
I I
10-Noon: OIL PAINTING 10-11: EXERCISE
10-Noon: arts/orafts 10-Noon: arts/orafts
NOON: LUNCH NOON: LUNCH
12:30-3: oards/games 12:30-3 oards/games
21 I
1
10-Noon:OIL PAINTING
10-Noon: arts/orafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30-3: oards/games
1 281
I 1
110-Noon:OIL PAINTING
110-Noon: arts/orafts
INOON: LUNCH
112:30-3: oards/games
1
231TRIP TO "GIGI"
110: PHOTO CLUB
10-11: EXERCISE
10-Noon: arts/orafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30-3: VIDEO
12:30-3: cards/games
I
I 291 I 30110: PHOTO CLUB 131 I
I I I 1 1 I
110-11: EXERCISE 110-11: EXERCISE 110-11: LINE DANCING i
110-Noon: arts/orafts 110-Noon: arts/orafts 110-Noon: arts/orafts
INOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH
112: 45-2: BINGO! BINGO! I BIRTHDAY PARTY! ! ! 112: 30-3: VIDEO
I 1 12:30-3:oards/games 112:30-3: oards/games
22 I NAT' L GOO'F OFF
1 DAY! ! ! !
10-11: EXERCISE
10-Noon: arts/orafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:45-2: BINGO !BINGO !
2 I
110:PHOTO CLUB
10-11: EXERCISE
10-Noon: arts/orafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30-3: oards/games
12:30-3: VIDEO
9 110: PHOTO CLUB
111-1:DIANA/ OFA
10-11: EXERCISE
10-Noon: arts/orafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:45-2: BINGO !BINGO !
16 I
110: PHOTO CLUB
10-11: EXERCISE
10-Noon: arts/orafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:45-2: BINGO!BINGO!
I 3
I I
10-11:LINE DANCING I
10-Noon: arts/orafts~
NOON: LUNCH
12:30-3: oards/games
10 1
I
10-11:LINE DANCING
10-Noon: arts/orafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30-3: VIDEO
12:30-3: oards/games
171STo PATTY'S DAY
IA LITTLE PARTY!
10-11:LINE DANCING
10-Noon: arts/orafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30-3: oards/games
24 ILINE DANCING
I CANCELLED!!!!
BOWLING AT
HOLIDAY HOE BOWL!!
SIGN UP WITH KATHI!!
THE CENTER IS CLOSED
tV.A..l?l?Il'J"G-:gR.
S E.1'I" I 0 R.
1'I":g tV S
By Kathi DeLisa, Director
MARCH 1995
Spring is only 20 days away!! Are you ready? SMILE! The
list of Trips is now available. Lots to talk about, so
let's get on to our March news
We will have a St Patrick's Day celebration on March
17th. Don't forget to wear green that day!!
And on Friday, March 24th we will have a bowling party at
Holiday HoeBowl on Rt. 9, Wappingers, from 11:a.m. to 2:p.m.
There will be coffee and donuts/danish on you arrival. A
slice of pizza and soda will be served for lunch. The cost
for bowling 2 games, (free shoes), and food is $3.00 for
those current with dues. Yes, those on our waiting list are
welcome to join us on this outing. If you are not current
with your dues (you must have paid at least six months dues)
the cost is $6.00. It's lots of fun, good exercise and
different from routine. PlEASE SIGN UP WITH KATHI BY MAR.
20th. The Center will be closed that day! Dial-a-Ride
passengers, I will inform them of this.
Other March news...blood pressure screening is Mar. 8.
Diana from the Office of the Aging will be at the Center on
Mar. 9. Birthdays will be celebrated on Thurs., Mar. 30.
Remember, those with birthdays are asked to bring a cake
for the party. We will all help you celebrate.
Bingo days are Wed. the 1st, 22nd & 29th and Thurs., the
9th & 16th. THE WALKING CLUB CONTINUES.......
Our Easter Luncheon will be at The Best Western on Rt. 9,
Poughkeepsie on Thurs., April 6th at Noon. As many of you
have said, "The only way to find out if it is good is to try
it." So we will try it! The menu includes: soup, salad, a
choice of Stuffed Chicken with wild rice, London Broil with
mushroom sauce or Rolled Filet of Sole, stuffed with
spinach, dessert and coffee/tea. The cost to those current
with dues is $7.00. If you are not current with dues, the
cost will be $14.50. Please sign up with Kathi.
Reservations and money must be in by April 3rd.
OVER
There are several seniors on the waiting list who join in
the exercise classes and Bingo. Many of these seniors have
chosen to pay the monthly/yearly dues. However, due to the
overorowding in the Center, there is not enough space for
these seniors to join our other "in Center" events and
activities. In an attempt to accommodate more seniors,
those seniors who pay their dues (a minimum of 6 months must
be paid) may attend our outside luncheons/activities at the
reduced cost.
May is Senior Citizen Month. In honor of Senior Citizen
Month, I would like to initiate a "Wappinger Senior Center
Senior of the Year." The senior should be one who is a
member of our Center, contributes to the success of our
Center and goes out of the way to care about our members by
their actions, kindness, etc. In April we will nominate
those who you choose to receive this award. More on this
later. You may wish to start thinking of a senior who would
deserve this award and the reason you think they should
receive this award.. Any other suggestions?
Don't miss the poignant short story written by Angelo
Sarno and the touching poem by Sue Bush in this month's
newsletter. This NEW ADDITION was started last month so all
you have the opportunity to share your creative writing,
thoughts, drawing or cartoon. I will include these in the
newletter. We have many talented seniors at the Center.
Some do crafts, some paint or draw, some write poetry and/or
stories, some have wonderful and creative ideas. You may
submit your "writing" or even a drawing or oartoon to me at
any time. This must be written or drawn by you. Please do
not submit preprinted articles etc. from other sources. I
am sure we will all enjoy reading or seeing the oreativity
of our fellow seniors.
The Wappinger Lions Club needs old eyeglasses or hearing
aids. These are used for those less fortunate. So if you
have any you no longer want or need, bring them to the
Center. I will see to it that they are given to the Lions
Club.
In regard to paying dues. In the past, most of you have
paid your dues by the month and I appreciate this very much.
However, there are still a few who continue to pay dues on a
weekly basis. To make my record keeping easier, please, if
you can, try to pay on a monthly basis. Also, if anyone is
interested in paying dues on a yearly basis, feel free to do
so. Many have chosen to do this as they cannot be at the
Center every week and want to participate in our special
events. Yearly dues is $25.00. Again this will certainly
make the record keeping easier and much more efficient.
Thank you. For those paying dues by the month, Maroh dues
is $2.00. A big hug to you all! Smile!!!
A POIGNANT MEMORY
by
ANGELO SARNO
My assignment, as a young music student, to interview a
retired professional musician-the greater on in years the
better.
How fortunate for me! My neighbor Olga, 84 years plus
had been a very promising piano virtuoso. At the age of 27
she had already performed at Carnegie Hall, Convent Garden,
La Scala, all to great acclaim. Suddenly tragedy! An
accident, this mother of two still able to play beautifully
but-alas- a virtuoso no longer.
Today with gnarled fingers, the ravages of arthritis, I
can still hear remnants of her greatness. Her run of the
majestic A Major Scale. Her interpretation of the somber
minor scales, especially that deep, dark moving E Flat
Minor. Her progressions, resolutions, suspensions,
anticipations! Chords! Chords! Chords! Arpeggios!
Arpeggios! Arpeggios! Beauty! Beauty! Beauty! Singing!
Soaring!
I knocked at her door.
"Olga, may I come in? I have this assignment but, if you
wish me to come back later or to run some errands first
(which I often did) I would be most happy to do so."
"Oh no, Angelo, please come in, you know how much I
treasure your company. Come, what is it ?"
I boldly asked, "How did you and Tom (her husband) and
the children cope with your tragic accident?"
"It was traumatic, but with our faith in God, we resolved
our problems."
I sat there intently, and thought what a strong woman
here.
"We moved to Vermont where Tom had a maple tree orchard
and quite a large farm. I ran a music school teaching
piano, theory, harmony."
"Olga, your eyes glow and sparkle when you speak of Tom."
Here I could see the interview change directions. No
longer of music, but of long ago memories.
"Angelo you are making me feel like a school girl again.
Memories of Tom are etched in my heart for an eternity. We
were childhood sweethearts. He would never fail to walk me
home from school and at times he also carried my books for
me. He was always there for me."
(over)
I interrupted and became a little bold, but gently asked.
"Olga, forgive me, but would you care to tell me a bit of
your courting days?"
"On Friday nights we would hold a square danoe and be at
it to the wee hours of the morning. Saturday nights were
for spooning on the swing by the old apple tree outside my
home. On the poroh we would sit and plan for the future.
And always, I oould hear mom, "Olga oome in, your piano
praotioe, don't forget you have a oonoert soon.' "
I said sheepishly, "How sad always interrupting romanoe."
"Tom and I married. My young bridegroom was a strapping
twenty year old."
I interrupted and asked of her present family status.
"Robert is a suooessful physioian, sinoe retired and now
living in Arizona. My younger one, John, has been a
successful engineer, also now retired and living in South
Carolina. I hear from and see them often."
I looked at this sweet lady and thought, oh yes, but not
seen or heard from regularly enough.
"Olga, please tell me something of your siblings."
"I had a brother John,.who died at the young age of 29.
He suffered greatly from oanoer."
At the mention of her brother, she beoame distressed. I
thought it best now for some levity.
"Today's mothers" Olga, diaper their babies with
Pampers. How in the world did you?"
She burst out laughing, "With bleaohed flour sacks!"
The room burst out laughing---what humor!
"I see that you still have the old wind up Viotrola with
that adorable dog listening to "His Master's Voioe."
Olga replied, "I keep it as my treasured memory. Tom
loved it. The day before he passed away he had been
listening to old Caruso reoords."
"Olga, would you play something for me now?"
She played many of her old favorite pieoes, and quite
well too. I deteoted tears in her eyes. She trembled
slightly for she faltered in the middle of "I Love You
Truly." She stopped playing and apologized.
"Forgive me," she exolaimed. "I had visions of Tom. We
had suoh a beautiful life together and then after fifty six
years, he left me widowed." .
Very poignant. It was here that I put my arm about her
shoulders and kissed her ever so gently on the oheek. I
thought better of pursuing further. I had evoked some
bitter-sweet memories for her eyes glowed projecting an aura
of serenity. She is onoe again the sweet young girl of
Vermont.
Upon leaving, I heard her oall out, almost pleading,
"Please oome again."
4 . . .
TIME FOR EVALUATION
by
SUE BUSH
THERE WERE TWO MEN.
ONE WAS VERY RICH, AND THE OTHER VERY POOR.
THE RICH MAN LOOKING BACK ON HIS LIFE SAID,
"I KNOW WHEN I DIE, I WILL HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN HEAVEN,
FOR I AM A VERY RICH MAN.
AND I RULE MY COMPANY WITH AN IRON HAND."
THIS MAN NEVER KNEW HOW TO SAY GOOD MORNING,
OR SHAKE THE HAND OF HIS FELLOW MAN
OR SHOW COMPASSION FOR ANYONE.
HE WAS TOO BUSY THINKING ONLY OF HIMSELF.
THE POOR MAN LOOKING BACK ON HIS LIFE SAID,
"0 LORD, I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GOOD I DID ON THIS EARTH.
I HAVE NOTHING TO GIVE, FOR I AM A POOR MAN.
BUT, I THANK YOU 0 LORD, FOR SHOWING ME HOW TO USE MY HANDS,
SO THAT I MAY TEACH OTHERS HOW TO TAKE A PIECE OF WOOD
AND MAKE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL OUT OF IT.
OR SHOW SOMEONE HOW TO FARM AND HELP THEM WITH THEIR CHORES.
I DON'T FEEL BADLY THAT I AM NOT A RICH MAN AFTER ALL
FOR I HAVE FELT THE HAND SHAKE OF A FRIEND,
THE LOOK OF LOVE FROM MY LOVED ONES.
AND IF I HAVE HELPED IN SOME WAY, TO BRING HAPPINESS,
TO ANOTHER HUMAN BEING, THEN I AM INDEED A VERY RICH MAN.
FOR ALL THESE THING 0 LORD, I THANK YOU."
..... '.
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TOWN OF WAPPINGER
RECREA TION COMMISSION
P.O. BOX 324
20 MIDDLEBUSH ROAD
WAPPINGERS FALLS. N.Y. 12590-0324
CONSTANCE O. SMITH
SUPERVISOR
SENIOR CITIZEN BUS TRIPS FOR 1995
OATE
PLACE
COST
3/23/95
Elmsford Dinner Theater
"Gigi"
Canterbury Tours
Hunt's Landing, PA.
"Country Western Festival"
Aristocrat Tours
$ 41.00
i/24/95
$30.00
5/9/95
Platzel Brau Haus, Pomona, N.Y.
"Roaring 20's"
Canterbury Tours
$33.00
6/13/95
Atlantic City
"Bally's"
Leprechaun Tours
$11.00
! 7/12/95
World Yacht Cruise and Shopping
at South Street Seaport
Canterbury Tours
Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville Conn.
"Polka Festival~
Aristocrat Tours
$33.00
! 8/22/95
$30.00
11/ 9/95
Woodloch Pines,
"Goes Europ!3an'"
Leprechaun Tours
Shawnee Playhouse
"Singi."ng in The Rain"
Canterbury Tours
Culinary Institute
"FDR/1.4mdsrbi]t MaReiBI"I1I
Canterbury Tours
$27.00
9/19/95
1_C!/17/95
$35.00
$35.00
**ALL DATES .' AND/OR TRIP.SUAREf SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
PAYMENT DUE WHEN RESERVATIONS ARE MADE. RESERVATION OATES TO BE ANNOUNCED.