1998-12-07
RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
DECEMBER 7, 1998
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PRESENT: RJH, KD., S.L., JC., J.E., RF., E.K, S.M., JV.
APPROVE MINUTES: 11/2/98 APPROVED:
CORRECTIONS
SECONDED
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE
CORRESPONDENCE
1. Letter from Peter Paggi re: Application for final payment on C. P. Bathroon facilities
2. Letter from Dan Zoller re: summer day comps and swim program
3. Letter from Peter Kennedy - WUSC re copy of their roster (Was given to Supervisor Smith)
4. Letter from Peter Paggi - Re: Castle Point Closure Project and final inspection
5. Copy of Letter sent to Supervisor Connie Smith from Joseph Paggi Re: Oakwood Knolls
pump station site Recreation feasibility study.
6. Letter from Moore Fire Extinguishers Re: service
7. Memo from Supervisor re: vouchers and P.O.'s for 1998 - NO spending after 12/10/98
8. Letter from Frances Dunwell- Hudson River Estuary Management team
REPORTS:
KD. E.K
S.L. S.M.
JC. lV.
lE. RlH.
RF
OLD BUSINESS - 1. Field dedication
2. Summer Director Duties
3. Meadowood Subdivision
NEW BUSINESS -
MEETING ADJOURNED
NEXT MEETING
RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 7,1998
NEXT MEETING JANUARY 4, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M. AT SCHLATHAUS PARK
The regular meeting of the Town of Wappinger Recreation Commission was held
December 7, 1998 at Schlathaus Park, All Angels Hill Road, Town of Wappinger, Dutchess
County, New York.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Ralph 1. Holt. Others present
were Kathi DeLisa, Senior Citizen Director, Stephen Lowery, Recreation Director, Commission
Members Ronald Friedman, Ellen Korz, Stephen Miller and Joanne Vazquez.
The minutes of the November 2, 1998 meeting were approved on a motion by Mr.
Friedman seconded by Mrs. Vazquez with all in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE
A copy of a letter which was addressed to the Comptroller was received from Peter Paggi
regarding the Castle Point Accessible Bathroom Facilities- Application for Final Payment.
In his letter he enclosed a voucher in the amount of $3,379.40 from Colonial Builders Excavation,
Inc. Mr. Paggi mentioned that his office had reviewed the submittal and recommend that payment
be made to Colonial in the full voucher amount.
A letter was received from Dan Zoller of the Dutchess County Health Department with a
questionnaire to be returned to his office. The questionnaire is an attempt to clarify the
requirements and definition of a Summer Day Camp to determine if our program requires a
permit. He indicated that the basic determining factors are whether the children are registered,
attendance is taken and the children are not free to come and go as they please. He also indicated
that the nature of activities and length of programs are also important. This was given to Mr.
Lowery to follow up on.
A letter was received from Peter Kennedy of the Wappinger United Soccer Club enclosing
a copy of the Club's current roster. This roster was forwarded to the Supervisor on November
17, 1998 so that the Club could receive their 1998 Town funding. In his letter he thanked the
Recreation Commission and Supervisor Smith for the continued support in making the soccer
program a huge success. .
A memo was received from Peter Paggi which addressed the Castle Point Landfill Closure
Project and Final Inspection. Among the items discussed in the letter was the relocation of the
playground equipment. Mr. Holt mentioned that the contractor shall coordinate with Mr. Paggi
and Mr. Tompkins the relocation of the playground equipment in the spring of 1999. The final
location of this equipment shall be at the discretion of the Recreation Department. Another item
pertaining to recreation was the area at the extreme southeasterly edge of the recreation site
where earlier inspections by the D.E.C. revealed partially buried pieces of treated wood. At the
D.E.C.'s request, Town Recreation personnel removed said items. Mr. Tompkins indicated to
Mr. Kelly that the town now plans to continue filling and regrading operations in that area.
The recreation commission received a copy ofaletter sent by Joseph E. Paggi, Engineer
to the Town to the Town Board regarding the Oakwood Knolls Pump Station Site - Feasibility
Study for use as Parkland. In his letter Mr. Paggi mentioned that at the request of Councilman
Joseph Ruggiero, his office had conducted a preliminary investigation regarding the feasibility of
utilizing the former Oakwood Knolls sewer treatment facility site as a neighborhood park facility.
He indicated that this parcel encompasses 3.7 acres located at the end of Pattie Place. The on site
sewage treatment facility that previously served the Wappinger Sewer Improvement Area was
dismantled and removed during the winter of 1997-1998. The site continues to house a sewage
pump station facility that transfers wastewater from the Oakwood Knolls Subdivision to the trunk
lines on Myers Corners Road. He indicated that the useable land that would remain to be utilized
as potential parkland would depend on the extent of the protective fencing necessary to isolate the
functioning components of the pump station. This letter also gave a number of items which
should be considered when determining the feasibility of using the site as a neighborhood park.
Mr. Holt mentioned that he thought that this was not a feasible plan and that this was a closed
Issue.
A letter was received from the Moore Fire Extinguisher regarding the servicing of the
extinguishers for the Recreation Department in the month of December. The letter indicated that
they would call a few days ahead to set up arrangements for the servicing.
A memo was received from Supervisor Smith indicating that effective December 10, 1998,
there is to be no more spending unless emergency in nature. All vouchers and Purchase Orders
must be approved by the Supervisor prior to ordering any item. This is necessary to close our
books in a timely fashion.
A letter was received from Frances F. Dunwell, of the N.Y.S. Dept. Of Environmental
Conservation - Hudson River Estuary Management Program. In her letter she thanked us for
providing boundary and recreational infrastructure data for the development of a map and
database of protected lands within the Hudson River Valley. In her letter she wanted to know
how our agency felt about releasing digital data to individuals or firms. The letter indicated that if
they didn't hear from us by December 15, 1998, they will assume that this information can be
released to others who request information. The Commission had no problem releasing any
information. Most of the property on the maps pertained to T/O Poughkeepsie and East Fishkill.
2
OUTGOING LETTERS
1. A thank you letter was sent to Paul Tobin, Principal of Evans School for the donation of
decorated Halloween Pumpkins to the Seniors for their party.
2. A letter was sent to the Town Planning Board regarding the dedication of Mea do wood
Subdivision stating that there was no land dedication shown on the map and that we were under
the impression that there was suppose to be something for recreation.
3. Alegal notice was sent to the Southern Dutchess News requesting qualifications for an
architect for a C.D. project at Schlathaus Park.
4. A copy of the legal notice for the architectural qualifications was sent to Mr. Don Swartz.
5. Invitations to the Seniors Elks Party was sent to Jim Zasso of Rite Aid and to Richard Silinsky
of Wappinger Liquors.
6. A letter was sent to Marshall and Sterling Insurance with information on additional buildings
that should be covered under the Town's insurance policy.
7. A letter was sent to Sebastian Carta of the Dutchess Debs with approval to use Robinson Lane
July 24, 25, and 26.
8. A thank you letter was sent to Dave Earle of Rite Aid for the donation of Halloween Candy to
the Senior Center.
9. A letter was sent to the Town Board requesting permission to install a new phone line at
Schlathaus Park for computers.
SENIOR CITIZEN REPORT
Mrs. DeLisa handed out a report on the senior activities for the month of November. This
report is attached to these minutes.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF RECREATION
Mr. Lowery indicated that he has been working on booking the summer concerts for 1999
and that they are almost complete.
He indicated that he has been working on a Recreation Guide which is similar to those
published by the Towns of East Fishkill, Fishkill, Beekman, Hyde Park. He showed us copies of
3
the guides from other Towns and what he has been working on for Wappinger. He indicated that
the booklet will total 6 pages. Mr. Lowery was told by Mrs. Roe that she was under the
assumption that the funds that were allocated in the 1999 budget for that purpose were removed
but she did not get a hard copy of what was actually taken out.. Mr. Lowery indicated that he
has since stopped working on the booklet until he knows for sure whether it will be printed.
Mr. Lowery has also been working on setting up the bus trips for 1999. So far he is
planning on a trip to Mohegan Sun on March 28th and a second one in October. He is looking
into a Yankee/Met game on June 5th and is looking to schedule two buses to the Radio City
Christmas Show. He is also looking at a trip to Saratoga Raceway in August.
He requested the name of the contact person for Little League. Mr. Friedman will get this
information and also the list of the Directors. Mr. Holt indicated that Mr. Bill Farrell is presently
sitting in for John Smith.
FIELD REQUESTS
Mr. Miller indicated that the request from the Mr. Carta of the Dutchess Debs for the use
of Robinson Lane on July 24,25 and 26 is on hold. He indicated that he has been told that Little
League will be holding the Bisaccia/Castellano tournament that weekend.
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY
Mr. Holt mentioned that the party went well although there were a couple of minor
glitches. The Ketcham Chorus was good although they were not prepared to present a half hour
of entertainment. Mr. Holt also indicated that they really needed more than one microphone and
if they return next year we should set up all of them.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Mr. Holt indicated that the maintenance men are working at the Rymer Subdivision taking
out the scrub brush and trees to clear the area for the new road. He also indicated that we
received a call from the owner of the property adjacent to the Park (Mr. & Mrs. Walter Addiss)
complaining of the work being done in the area and wanting to know exactly what was to be
placed in that area. Mr. Holt and Mr. Tompkins met with them to describe what we hoped to do
in this area and where the playground was to eventually be placed although we do not have a
completed plan. She was concerned about the number of children and the fact that we have
cleared the area. She wants to know if we intend to put in trees. Mr. Tompkins mentioned if we
put in trees it will take several years for them to grow and suggested that they install a fence to
which her husband said that they did not like fences. She asked Mr. Holt for a copy of the plan to
which he said that she could obtain one from the Town Engineer. We will continue to work in
that area to get ready to put in the roadway as soon as possible.
4
CASTLE POINT BUILDING
Mr. Holt indicated that the new building with restrooms at Castle Point has been
completed. The letter we received from Peter Paggi indicated that the final payment should be
made to Colonial Builders.
ROBINSON LANE
Mr. Holt indicated that we have redone the infield on the first field on the right (field #11).
We have removed the grass and flattened out the lip in the outfield. In the Spring we will put
more clay on the field. This work was really needed for safety.
BARN/ MONTFORT ROAD
The new building at the barn is being constructed at a cost of about $10,000. This will be
an addition to the lean to that was built a few years ago. Mr. Holt commended the guys for the
way the area looks. They really keep it looking neat.
COMPUTER CLASSES
The first computer class will start on Wednesday at 1 :00 at Schlathaus. This will be a trial
run class with the a couple of the seniors, Kathi, Ralph, Sylvia and Peggy. The proposed schedule
is that we will be running 3 classes for each group. Mr. Holt indicated that he has been asked to
speak on Channel 54 regarding the computer classes and recreation in general. This will take
place sometime in January. Mr. Holt asked each of the Commission members to give him their
ideas on the following questions which he will be talking about on the show. 1. What are the 3
most pressing issues concerning recreation. 2. What are the 3 issues concerning the youth and
recreation.
BUDGET
Mr. Holt mentioned that the budget was passed but so far we have not been able to get a
final copy of it to see what was taken out for 1999.
SPOOK HILL
Mr. Holt mentioned that a new fence has been installed at Spook Hill along the right of
way between the Tesan property and the Town property.
5
, .
FIELD DEDICATION
Mr. Miller submitted the following addition to the field dedication procedure and moved
that it be adopted:
"Exception: An active participant in any recreation program or recreation capacity
who passes away may be granted the naming of a park, playground or recreation site. A coach,
player, league official, camper or anyone determined to be a person of notable recreation activity
and upon notification and permission of the deceased family may have their name placed on the
field, playground, park or recreational site in their memory. The naming of this facility must be
authorized by the Town of Wappinger Recreation Commission with a duration of up to one year.
Following the year, application may be made for permanent naming of the facility." Mr. Friedman
mentioned that it was well needed but suggested that "Town of Wappinger " should be inserted
before" recreation program" and before" recreation activity......." Mr. Friedman moved to
adopt the amended resolution seconded by Mrs. Korz with all in favor. A letter will be sent to the
Town Board with this change stating that it is our attempt to recognize people but also to
alleviate problems in the naming of fields etc.
SUMMER DIRECTOR
A discussion was held regarding the duties of the summer director. It was suggested that
the list as complied by Mr. Lowery and given to the Commission Members at the last meeting be
sent to Mrs. Irvin. Mr. Miller mentioned that he felt that the list sent to Mrs. Irvin be only the
duties of the Summer Director and not intermingled with those of the Recreation Director. Mr.
Lowery will pull out just the duties of Summer Director so that it can be sent. Mr. Holt will
write a letter to be sent with the list of duties.
TRANSPORTATION
Mr. Miller indicated that he has had several discussions with "Karen" from the W.C.S.D.
Transportation regarding the charges for summer transportation for 1998 and the bill will be paid
as submitted. Mr. Miller mentioned that he will be available to sit down with the personnel from
transportation and Mr. Lowery to discuss the 1999 charges.
MEADOWOOD SUBDIVISION
Since our last meeting, we have received an updated map for the subdivision and the map
still does not show any dedication for recreation purposes. It was suggested that still another
letter be written to the Planning Board stating such and asking for their comments.
The meeting was adjourned at 8: 15 on a motion by Mrs. Korz seconded by Mr. Miller.
Peggy Roe
Secretary
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~
r
DECEMBER 1998 REPORT TO THE RECREATION COMMISSION
FOR THE MONTH OF NovemBER 1998
SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER
November activities at the Senior Citizen Center included
the regular schedule of arts/crafts, oil painting, photo
club, exercise, line dancing, bingo, puzzles, bridge,
Spanish class, cards and games.
On the 18th, 98 seniors enjoyed a Thanksgiving luncheon
at Bocci's Restaurant. Food was great and seniors enjoyed a
pleasant day out.
On the 19th, students from Jame,Evans joined the seniors
playing Wheel of Fortune. The students were thrilled to
spin the wheel, guess letters and solve the puzzles.
Seniors assisted the students or maybe the students assisted
the seniors? Anyway, it was a wonderful opportunity for the
students and the seniors to participate together in the
great game.
R.C. Ketcham students asked the seniors to contribute
handcrafted items for Thanksgiving baskets for the needy.
Seniors made Thanksgiving napkin ring holders and also
contributed the napkins. Another nice project of students
and seniors working together.
Blood pressure was on the 12th this month. Our monthly
birthday party was held on the 20th.
Sign up for the Elk's Christmas parties was held on the
12th. Each party to date has 136 seniors attending. This
Christmas party is sponsored by the Town of Wappinger
Recreation commission in conjunction with the Elk's Lodge
#2609. Contributions from local businesses and professionals
make this a wonderful event leading into the holiday season.
The Trip to westchester Theater was great. This was the
last trip of the year.
There are 190 seniors registered at the center and 280 on
the waiting list.
ITEMS TO BE NOTED:
1. December events include a christmas luncheon at Villa
Borghese and two Holiday parties at the Elks Lodge #2609
2. computer classes will begin in December.
[)EIJE~/lBER
.-1998
~J
TOWN OF WAPPINGER SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER: OPEN 10:00A.M.-3:00P.M.
20 Middlebush Rd., Wappingers Falls, NY. 12590 Phone:297-3670 Director: Kathi DeLisa
MOf\~ .
FR I .
'T1JE 5 .
WED.
TH1JRS.
SEE NEWSLETTER
FOR
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
7 IPEARL HARBOR DAY!
I
10: PHOTO CLUB AT
SCHLATHAUS
10-Noon: arts/crafts
'~OON: LUNCH
12:45: BINGO!BINGO!
14 IHAPPY HANUKKAH
_I
10: PHOTO CLUB AT
SCHLATHAUS
1o-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30: cards/qames
'21 I
_I
10: PHOTO CLUB AT
SCHLATHAUS
10-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:45: BINGO!BINGO!
28 I
_I
10: PHOTO CLUB AT
SCHLATHAUS
10-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH
12:30: cards/games
I 1 I I 2 I
I_I I_I
110-Noon: OIL PAINTINGI10-11: EXERCISE
110-Noon: arts/crafts 110-Noon: arts/crafts
INOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH
112:30: SPANISH 112:30-3: cards/games
I
8 IELK'S PARTY #1 1 9 I
_I I_I
10-Noon: OIL PAINTINGI10-11: EXERCISE
10-Noon: arts/crafts 110-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH
12:30: SPANISH 112:30: BINGO!BINGO!
12:30-3: cards/games I
I
15 IELK'S PARTY #2 116 IBEETHOVEN'S
_I I_I BIRTHDAY
10-Noon: OIL PAINTINGI10-11: EXERCISE
10-Noon: arts/crafts 110-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH
12:30: SPANISH 112:30: cards/games
12:30-3: cards/qames I
22 I 123 I 241
_I I_I 1
10-Noon: OIL PAINTINGI10-11: EXERCISE 10-11: EXERCISE
10-Noon: arts/crafts 110-Noon: arts/crafts 10-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH NOON: LUNCH
12: 30: SPANISH 112:45: BINGO!BINGO! IMERRY CHRISTMAS TO
I IALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
1 291 130 I 131 INEW YEAR'S EVE!!
I_I I_I I_I
110-Noon: OIL PAINTINGI10-11: EXERCISE 110-11: EXERCISE
110-Noon: arts/crafts 110-Moon: arts/crafts 110-Noon: arts/crafts
INOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH/BIRTHDAYS I NOON: LUNCH
112:30: SPANISH 112:30: cards/games 112:45: LAST BINGO OF
I I THE YEAR!!!!
I I
1 3 1 1 4 1
1_111:BRIDGE I I
110-11: EXERCISE ICHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
110-Noon: arts/crafts I VILLA BORGHESE
INOON: LUNCH I AT NOON
112:45: BINGO!BINGO! ITHE CENTER IS CLOSED
1 I
110 111: BRIDGE 111 I
_110:BLOOD PRESSUREI___I
10-11:EXERCISE 110-11: LINE DANCING
10-Noon: arts/crafts 110-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH
12:30: cards/games 112:30: cards/games
I
1
17 1 II A LITTLE I 181
I CHRISTMAS PARTY II I_I
10-11: EXERCISE 110-11: LINE DANCING
10-11: ??????? 110-Noon: arts/crafts
NOON: LUNCH INOON: LUNCH
1:00:CHRISTMAS BINGO!112:45: BINGO!BINGO!
25 1
---I
CHRISTMAS
DA Y! !
THE CENTER IS
CLOSED!!!
JANUARY 1, 1999
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
THE CENTER IS
CLOSED!!!!!
,
WAPPINGER
SENIOR NEWS
BY Kathi DeLisa, Director
DECEMBER 1998
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
1 Josephine Myers*
2 Margaret paoloni
5 Aldo Laurino
9 peggy Ryan
15 MOraq Richards
21 victoria Mathews
21 Mary Jane RaC2
24 Louise Monaco
25 carol KOPP
31 Joan croshier
Sleigh Bells ring as we're dancing! In the snow we keep
dancing! We'll party our way through the Christmas holiday!
Dancing and dining all the way!! Are you ready?
Our ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON: ~ill be at Villa BOrghese
on Dec. 4th. at Noon. This luncheon is open to all those on
the waiting list. The menu will include: soup, salad, a
choice of Chicken Francaise, stuffed Filet of sole or Prime
Rib of Beef, dessert and coffee/tea. The cost for those
current with dues is $11.00. The cost for those not current
with their dues is $28.00<cost may vary to those who are new
to the center.) You must sign up and pay for this luncheon
by NOV. 25th. There will be NO REFUNDS after this date. Get
ready for a great time! There will be lots of surprises,
good food, music by Johnny Dell an~ a great day to enjoy the
holiday spirit with your friends. Bells will be jingling
<are they sleigh bells?) HO!HO!HO!
Wsppinger Recreation in conjunction with the Elks Lodge
#2609 sponsors a christmas party open to ALL TOWN OF
WAPPINGER SENIORS. This year through the generous support
of local businesses we are able to do two separate parties
enabling us to accommodate more seniors. Sign up for these
events began Nov. 12. The parties are December 8th and
December 15th. please note your tickets are NOT
TRANSFERABLE AND ARE GOOD ONLY FOR THE DATE ON YOUR TICKET!
please make sure you are attending the correct party. white
tickets are for the party on Dec. ath, and green tickets for
Dec. 15th! YOU MUST HAVE TICKET TO ATTEND! If you cannot
attend, please let Peggy or me know. Thank you. HO!HO!1
1
,
And one more "little" party! On Thurs., Dec. 17th a
"Little Christmas/Hanukkah" celebration at the center. we
will have a light breakfast/brunch. ..bagels & cream cheese,
danish, egg nog, juice etc. If anyone wants to bring
christmas cookies or another specialty feel free to do so.
Nothing fancy folks, just a nice day to share the Christmas
spirit, enjoy each other, sing a Carol or two, maybe playa
little Christmas treevia and a chance to win at CHRISTMAS
BINGO!
The past few years in lieu of a Christmas Grab Bag we put
together a basket of goodies for a needy familY. It is a
chance for all of us to share our christmas spirit and
wishes to someone less fortunate than ourselves. If you
know someone in need let me know. I will once again go
through a church to find a family in need and will announce
more on this as soon as I have more information.
Now for other December happenings: Blood pressure is on
the 10th this month. Birthdays will be celebrated on the
30th. BINGO DAYS are Mon. Dec. 7 & 21st<open to those on
waiting list), wed. Dec. 9th & 23rd, Thurs. the 3rd,17th and
31st, Fri.the 18th. The center is CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAY.
Many thanks to those who made the Thanksgiving napkin
rings. These as well as a package of Thanksgiving napkins
were included in 12 baskets for needY families put together
by teachers at ROY C. Ketcham High School. The teachers
wish to thank you for helping make these baskets a little
nicer with your handcrafted napkin rings. Thank you!!!!
The WALKING CLUB continues..If you would like to join the
walking club start now! A chart is hanging on the door.
Just add your name and start walking. six times around the
Town Hall is a mile. Just mark the number of times you walk
around, I will convert it to miles later. We do recommend
you walk with someone. Use the "BUDDY" system when
possible. walking is considered one of the best physical
exercises you. can do for your health It can help reduce
blood pressure, regulate insulin for diabetics, keep your
heart healthier and so much more. Goal. for 1999 walkers:
TO do 5 more miles this year than last year. A minimum of
10 miles is required by the end of the "Walking Year." If
you are just starting, you can make at least 10 miles your
goal. That is only 60 times around the building in a year
or 5 time around a month. start now!
Enjoy Herm London's essay on "The Holidays." and poem by
sue Bush. The creative Corner was started for YOU to share
your thoughts, drawings or writings. 50 come on seniors!
2
J
Let's see your "stuff."
In regard to paying dues, PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A CHANGE IN
THE DUES AS OF JANUARY 1999. Your treasurers realize that
everything is costing more and that also applies to events
and happenings at the Center. So for the first time in
eight years, we will be raising the monthly dues beginning
JANUARY 1,1999. If you pay your dues by the month the cost
will be $3.00 a month. If you pay your dues by the year the
dues for 1999 will be $35.00. Many choose to pay their dues
by the year because it is easier or they cannot be at the
center every week and want to participate in our special
events. A few of you are NOT current with dues, this may
result in your paying full price for the upcoming events!
Your Treasurer says that for those paying dues by the month,
December dues is $2.00. Those on the waiting list are
welcome to pay dues. This is voluntary. This entitles you
to join our "out of center" activities at a reduced cost.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY: In case of bad weather, snow
and/or ice center closing will be announced on WEOK
(1390AM);WPDH (101.5FM) or OLDIES 97.7FM, or WALL (1340AM)
or WRRV (92.7FM). EXERCISE IS CANCELLED automatically if the
schools are closed due to inclement weather. This may
differ from the center closing.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF YOU! MAY THE BLESSINGS OF THIS
HOLIDAY SEASON BE WITH YOU NOW AND THROUGHOUT THE NEW YEAR.
Love and a big Hug and Smile to all of your
3
,
CREA.rZ\....E CORNER
THE FAITH OF A CHILD
BY
SUE BUSH
I SHOT MY ARROW INTO THE AIR.
IT FE~~ TO EARTH, I KNEW NOT WHERE.
IT TOOK TO THE AIR ~IKE A BIRD IN F~IGHT.
IT WENT STRAIGHT UP, AND THEN OUT OF SIGHT.
I FE~T A ~ITT~E REMORSEFU~ THEN,
KNOWING I MIGHT NOT SEE MY ~ITT~E ARROW AGAIN.
BUT I HAD FAITH AND SAID A PRAYER,
I ~OOKED A~MOST EVERYWHERE.
SUDDEN~Y I FOUND MY ~ITT~E ARROW,
STUCK FAST IN THE HEART OF A TREE.
AND I WAS HAPPY ONCE AGAIN,
MY ~ITT~E ARROW WAS BACK HOME AGAIN WITH ME.
4
J
OHRISTMAS AND OHANUJ(}(AH. . .50 SIMIL,AR AND OH 50 DIFFERENT
by
HERMAN LONDON
people have a tendency to compare events even when no
basis for comparison exists. When president Kennedy was
shot, long lists were drawn up comparing the event with
president Lincoln's assassination. For example Kennedy's
secretary was named Lincoln and Lincoln's secretary was
named Kennedy.
Let's carefully examine the extent to which people go in
an effort to compare Christmas and Chanukkah.
***christmas and chanukkah are both important holidays.
Not exactly. Although Christmas is no doubt one of two
major Christian holidays, the other being Easter, Chanukkah
is a relatively minor, non-religious~ more nationalistic
celebration. people don't take time off work and school but
observe the holiday at home in the evening.
***christmas and chanukkah both begin with the letters "CH"
Actually, neither one does, except in the coincidence of
transliteration into English. Chanukkah beg-ins with "chet",
the ninth letter of the Hebrew alphabet having a throaty
sound. christmas comes from the Greek and begins with the
two Greek letters "Chi" and "Rho" that start the name of
Christ. These two Greek letters are often seen superimposed
on a church alter or banner and look like an "x" on top of a
"p". ( ) . Some people think that it is slang or
disrespectful to write Xmas. It is not. what we see as an
"X" is really "Chi" standing for "Christ."
***Both christmas and chanukkah involve candle lighting,
either on a tree (now electric) or on a candelabra (now
sometimes an electric menorah).
It is not strange that many cultures celebrate holidays
that involve light at the darkest, shortest days of the
year. Even Kwanza, the African-derived holiday uses a seven
stick candle holder.
***Both Christmas (the 25th day of the month of December)
and Chanukkah (starting on the 25th of the month of Kislev)
are almost exactly on the winter solstice, the first day of
winter, and the shortest day of the year. How come?
well, what would be a better time to have a "Festival of
5
,
Lights"! Biblical scholars generally acknowledge that the
Christ child was probablY not born in the winter. The clues
in the text all point to a warm season when the shepherds
could sleep in the fields with their flocks and look up at
the stars in the skY. Just as we nowadays often observe
national holidays on a more convenient date, no doubt
Christmas was designated for a time that would help to blot
out pagan Roman solstice celebrations.
***Christmas runs twelve days and Chanukkah runs eight
days.
Yes, it took the wise men twelve days navigating by the
star in the sky, to arrive at the manger to present the
gifts on what we would call the Feast of the Epiphany.
Nowadays, some Eastern orthodox church members exchange
their gifts on that day, Jan. 6th.
The Maccabees, in cleaning and restoring the ancient
Hebrew temple that had been defiled by the syrian
conquerors, could not find enough pure olive oil to fuel the
"Eternal Light" over the altar for more than one day.
However, the oil lasted eight days. "A great miracle
happened there" is inscribed via four initial letters on the
sides of the tOY spinning top (dreidel).
In the united states a growing tradition involves giving
children a tiny, trivial, token gift on the first night of
Chanukkah and increasing the size and value of each gift
culminating with a large gift on the last day. This
contrasts with dumping all the goodies on the children on
one day.
Incidentally, although we moderns talk of the ONE
shortest day of the year, you'd be hard pressed to identify
that day without sophisticated scientific instruments. If
you consult the "Farmers' Almanac" you'll notice that there
is a long series of days all almost identical in shortness.
That is why these winter holidays run a week or more.
***certain songs are associated with Christmas and
Chanukkah.
Many people would contend the "silent Night" is the
quintessential christmas carol. Similarly, "Rock of Ages"
is mostlY associated with Chanukkah.
***The origins of Christmas and Chanukkah can be found in
the Bible.
Not exactly. Although there is much pointing to the
birth of the christ child in the Gospels of the New
Testament, we have to look elsewhere for information about
Chanukkah. It is not found in the Hebrew Old Testament and
6
J
not found in the books of the Protestant New Testament.
However, in the Catholic Bible. in the books of Maccabees I
and II, will be found the stories of fighting for liberty
and religious freedom that form the basis for the
celebration of Chanukkah.
Here's hoping that the light and joyousness of the mid
winter holidays will help to shake off any feeling of
classic S.A.D. and point to a happy and healthy New Year.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL
7
(#24
IN SUNNY SPAIN
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10 DOWN
1 Have _ in one's
bonnet (2 wds.)
2 Norwegian
3 Estrangement
4 Part of a foot
5 Bred
6 "...pretty maids all in
_ n (2 wds.)
7 Actor Haggerty
8 "Along _ Jones"
9 "..._ o'clock scholar"
(2 wds.)
10 Damage to a fender
12 Dancer, _ Ann
Howes
13 Sisters son
14 Exaggerated comedy
19 Do a laundry chore
21 Up in the_
(undecided)
23 Dog's pest
24 Sonny's former
partner
27 Ari, to Caroline
28 _ log
29 Dashed madly
30 Location
31 Contained
33 _ Aviv, Israel
35 Ferrer of Hollywood
36 Heftiest president
38 Excise objectionable
material
39 San _ Obispo,
California .
41 Casper, e.g.
42 Actor Gossett
43 Silences
45 Castles' entrances
46 _ Janeiro (2 wds.)
47 Predicaments
48 Butter's rival
.49 Sharp bark
50 Intimidate
52 Ponder a problem
55 Not cooked
56 Explosive letters
@ lID [Q] 00 00 ~ [Q]!B] rID 24
5
6
7
9
29
34
37
53
57
60
, .
I :
ACROSS
1 Medical school subj.
5 _ as a wet hen.
8 Rapscallion
11 Southwestern'string
tie
12 Clinging wrap
14 Destiny .
15 A Great Lake
16 Repent
17 Prayer end
18 Opposite of WNW
19 Went by plane
20 Mother or father
22 Encompass
24 Smartly attired
25 Confederate
26 Dissent
29 Evaluated
31 Chop wood
32 For shame!
34 Moffo's 5010
35 Jostle
36 Distant (prefix)
37 Modern (prefix)
'38 Atlantic food fish
39 Part of a coat
40 Obtuse and acute
43 H~md warmer
44 Sharpen a razor
45 Country-and-western
instrument
47 Filled with happiness
50 Musician Waller
51 Actor Holt
53 Beerlike brews
54 Speak formally
56 Holier than -
57 Soften
58 Levels a building
59 Sparks and Beatty
60 Soak up
61 Director Craven
62 Sycamore or larch
.
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