Ashland Speaks by Lula Anderson - 26 March 2026

Another rainy Monday, only this one is the first Spring Monday. The day has been mixed with snow and rain, but now we can call it a Spring storm so it feels better. Every day I see more signs of warmer weather. The horseradish is showing its first fern-like leaves, tulips and daffodils are getting taller and more crocus are blooming.  

With daylight savings time, more people are venturing out in the evening. Our dinner/church last Friday entertained around 35 people .  

Just a reminder, WAJPL will have their next meeting on April 13th because of Easter Monday and many of our committee won't be able to attend that day. The second meeting will be on April 27th. It works out better as our trip to VA is the 16th through 19th so we will be able to disseminate the trip information before we go and sleep in on Monday when we come back. We have a wonderful trip to Salem, MA planned July 27 - 28 and it is going to be jam packed with activities: buffet dinner at Finz Seafood Restaurant, Salem Witch Museum, Salem Sound Harbor cruise, House of Seven Gables and the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall. Call Mary Louise at 518-622-3397 for information and reservation, or just come to the meeting and tell her in person.  

Mountain Top Golden Agers (Hunter group) have resumed their meeting which is the last Thursday of the month starting at 1:30 at the Tannersville Firehouse. Their trips include: May 13th a Musical Tribute to Whitney Houston at the Resorts World Catskill Casino in Monticello including slot play, plated lunch and show . On Aug 5th they are going to see a Tribute to Kenny Rogers at the Log Cabin in Holyoke,MA with a choice of twin lobsters or prime rib . The overnight trip is from June 12th to June 15th to Washington, DC. In July they will be sponsoring an AARP Defensive Driving class, then another overnight trip in October to Lancaster to see JOSHUA at the Sight and Sound. Call Patty at 518-821-8670 for more information and reservations.

Don't forget the VFW Breakfast at the hall on Rt 23, Windham this Sunday the 29th.

George Tortorelis will be holding a Citizens Response to Active Shooter Event (CRASE) at the Windham Senior Room/Community Center on April 11 from 10 to noon.

LIFEWISE will be holding an evening of impact fundraiser on May 1 featuring a pasta and meatball dinner with silent auction at Hope Restoration Christian Fellowship 117 Rt 296 . Doors open at 5 with auction preview, dinner served at 6. RSVP by April 13 to Annie 518-947-0033 or Teri 518-852-5847

Much is said about food insecurity, but we are very fortunate to live in an area where we take care of our own. There are two wonderful food pantries: the Windham pantry which is located at Hope Restoration, second and third Saturdays from 9-12 and the Thursday in between from 5 to 7. The Kaaterskill Food pantry is located in Tannersville, unfortunately I don't have their hours, but I'm sure Margie and Dena will get them to me for next week. Greene County Community Action brings their pantry to Prattsville. For a cooked meal you can go to the Kaaterskill UMC on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday for a Fellowship lunch. Don't forget if you're 60 and older, you are eligible to go to your local Senior Nutrition Center for a meal that meets 1/3 of the daily dietary reference intake. There is a suggested contribution of $4/ meal and you must call at least a day in advance to reserve. For further information look for the Greene County RoundTable which is at your local Post Office.