News from Up North
November 3rd, 2013 · No Comments · Posted in News from Up North, rural life
We couldn’t resist the traditional German dinner at the Presbyterian church in Salem last night. A full house was on hand for the all-you-can-eat buffet of Sauerbraten, sausage, red cabbage two ways, German potatoes, sauerkraut and some dishes I didn’t recognize. There were three different kinds of cake for dessert, as well as servers in traditional costumes.
These church suppers are great for hobnobbing with the locals. We met the former conductor of the Washington County Band who also happens to be in charge of the roast beef dinner at the fire house in West Hebron on Tuesday. We’re happy to add that to our calendar.
A real draw for me last night was the gentleman in Alpine togs playing tunes on the accordion and the Alp horn. Now that’s something you don’t see every day. Do you suppose he needs an extra-long truck to get his instrument to the gig?
Earlier in the day I attended a terrific “Souper Saturday” at the Mason’s lodge in Coila. Nine different local eateries each donated a pot of soup to help Cambridge Valley Chapter 147 Order of the Eastern Star in its many charitable endeavors. For $6, you got to sample as many of the soups as you might have room for. There were some tasty offerings: chicken Parmesan soup, a “burger soup,” a cheesy broccoli soup and a more traditional chicken noodle. Some of us did not hold back: We tried them all!
Meanwhile, Michael Erhardt of White Creek says parents need to get more involved in little league baseball. Too many kids drop out before the season is barely underway. “Somehow little league has lost its way,” says Erhardt. Of the 260 kids who enrolled in Cambridge this past season, for instance, only 60 played all summer. Parents are encouraged to attend a little league meeting Nov. 7, 5:30 p.m., at the Cambridge Village offices.
Congratulations to students in Greenwich who recently received “Random Acts of Kindness” awards. These students were “caught” doing the right thing when they thought no one was looking. “It is the generosity of spirit that will help both schools and communities thrive in today’s challenging times,” school officials said. Winners received a Stewart’s Ice Cream coupon and a certificate.
Eighth graders in Greenwich studying the war in Vietnam recently heard from Daniel J. Severson, who served as a first lieutenant and was cited by the Army for “boundless courage and aggressive determination.” He was twice awarded the Purple Heart, as well as the Distinguished Service Cross. Students are learning about the events, politics and emotions surrounding the war and Vietnamese culture and traditions. Severson more recently is a retired a school principal, superintendent and science teacher.
The Greenwich VFW Post 7291 and the Liberty Post 515 of the American Legion are once again combining resources to throw a roast beef dinner for local veterans on Nov. 10. A social hour beginning at 4 p.m. and the dinner that follows are free to all vets and a guest. Dinner is to be followed by a patriotic Vietnam era show presented by Gary Ferris. Reservations are required.
The Greater Greenwich Chamber of Commerce continues to make plans for a “holiday lighted tractor parade” scheduled for Thursday, November 21. Tractors and themed wagons will travel from Livery Square west down Main Street, accompanied by carolers and of course Santa Clause. Entry forms are available at a variety of local businesses and at the chamber’s offices.
The Salem Area Van Endeavor (SAVE), which provides free transportation to local grocery stores for those in need, has announced it has a new volunteer driver. Trip Sturgis is a Shushan resident and will share driving responsibilities with Ken White by driving on Tuesdays. On Tuesdays, Trip takes passengers to the Hannaford supermarket in Greenwich. On Thursdays, Ken makes a trip to the Price Chopper in Granville. SAVE recently received a grant from the Washington County Home for Aged Women to support the van service.
The Salem/Shushan Fuel Fund holds its annual benefit dinner this Thursday from 5 p.m. too 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Local farms and restaurants are donating food to benefit the fund, which last winter provided local families with some $12,000 to assist with heating fuel costs. On the menu this year is beef from Mack Brook Farm, lamb from 3-Corner Field Farm, pork from Yushak’s Supermarket, turkey from Hannaford in Greenwich, potatoes from Sheldon Farms and various dishes from Steningers, Gardenworks, Fred’s Sub Shop, Jacko’s Soda Fountain, Salem Tavern and others. There will also be vegetarian lasagna.
Finally, Rensselaer County Dairy Princess Lindsey McMahon cautions readers against eating too much candy at Halloween. “It’s important to remember that there are several ways to incorporate healthy eating and exercise in fun ways so that you can leave an event such as a Halloween party saying you had a great time without being in a junk food coma,” the dairy princess says. One way to celebrate a healthier Halloween is by using “calcium rich dairy cream cheese frosting on your cake instead of the typical can of frosting you would buy at the grocery store.”
To honor a healthier Halloween, the dairy princess suggests making a “spooky gummy mud pie” incorporating 16 Oreo cookies or chocolate graham crackers, 4 tablespoons butter, 1 pint ice cream, 5 to 10 gummy worms, 1 cup fudge sauce and optional whipped cream.
Enjoy!
This edition of News from Up North was culled from actual news reports in the Washington County Area and is presented here for the enjoyment and edification of our readers. As always, stay alert and please drive carefully.
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