Fundraiser and church service at the Mitchell Hollow Chapel on August 9th at 2 PM

ASHLAND - Another week of trying to get things done.  I have approximately an hour to get this written and sent, so I really hope the phone doesn't ring.  WAJPL Golden Agers had a wonderful trip to Glimmerglass Theater a week ago Tuesday to see the play OKLAHOMA.  It was a very different venue for us, very elegant, as Vicky put it.  Then on Monday and Tuesday of last week the overnight trip to Salem, MA.  Beautiful weather, we walked around the pedestrian mall, bought many "withchy" items, saw the Witch Museum, Haunting of Gallow's Hill, a trolley ride to see the sights and houses of Salem, a gorgeous boat tour and delicious dinner.  Coming home, the rain started, and by the time we reached Windham it was a monsoon.  Needless to say, the following day was spent pumping cellars, and listening to what roads were washed out.  Each trip has ended with rain of some sort.  Hopefully, never as bad as this storm.

The annual WAJPL picnic was held on Monday the 3rd.  Plenty of food of all types plus real grilled hot dogs and hamburgers.  Thanks Chris and Albin for keeping the food coming, and to all who participated.  We have such wonderful, imaginative cooks in our club, most looking for a chance to share.  The problem is too much food.  Now  we have to have hotdogs and hamburgers at a meeting this fall.  

Phyllis from the Mt Top GoldenAgers (Hunter/Tannersville) has asked that I let you know about their remaining trips.   On Thursday, Aug 20th, they will be going to see "Carol King, the Musical" at MacHadyn in Chatham.  Lunch Buffet at the Whitestone Cafe prior to the show is included.  Member:$95  non Members:  $205.  On Wed, Oct 14th there is a Musical Tribute to DIANA ROSS AND THE SUPREMES show at the Resorts World Casino in Monticello, MY including $25 slot play, plated lunch and Matinee show  Member:  $85, nonmembers:  $95  Then on Fri Oct. 23rd they will be going on a "Cutch Apple Cruise for scenic Autumn Views out of the port of Alban.  Lunch at Paul's Pizza and Italian Restaurant in Coxsackie prior to cruise.  Lunch choices are chicken parm or pasta w/ meatballs or baked ziti.  Member:  $87  Nonmembers $97.  For information and reservations call Patty at 518-821-8670.  All are welcome.

There will be a fundraiser/ church service at the Mitchell Hollow Chapel on August 9th at 2 PM, We are trying to keep our Historic churches and Chapels in good condition to ensure their survival in the coming generations.  Each of our local churches have a deep history of family and community and we all feel it is something to be shared and cherished.  We don't know where we're going if we don't know where we've been, and it is so true with the historic churches in this area.  

Prayers for the families of Tom Miltenberger, Richard Morse and Maurice (Moe) Nelson who passed this past week.  Much sympathy, Prayers and Compassion to the family of Pastor Dempsey of Maplecrest,

Happy Birthday wishes to Mary Aull - 94, John Pringle -80, and Marie Cross who is just a sweet young thing, and I refuse to mention how old she really is, because she knows where I live.  

AS I REMEMBER IT

As you know, both Lula and Judy grew up in old farmhouses.  Judy's was built in the late 1700's, early 1800.  When they moved in, they were lucky that there was electricity in all the rooms.  The lighting was unique to the times:  Kitchen had a center light controlled by a switch,  dining room had a chandelier, living room had lamps.  Upstairs there was a hall light.  Now, the stairwell was open and there were windows to lighten the way.  A nightlight stood at the top of the stairs, but it was down the dark hall that had the ceiling fixture.  Attached to the fixture was a chain with a string attached.  As youngsters, we walked down the hall with arms in the air, searching for that string.  A little to the left or right and you missed it.  An adult could walk until the string hit them in the face, but not the little ones.  Okay, light on, go in bathroom and over the sink was another pull chain.  Bedrooms had a nightstand with lamps.  Get into bed and turn off the light, mom turned off hall light when she went to bed.

The "big bedroom"  had a single light in the middle of the ceiling with a pull string.  My brother was a smarty pants who didn't like to walk in to a dark room, then have to "feel for the bed" when the light was off.  He put 2 strings on the light, one heading for the doorway, through screw eyes so it wouldn't get lost.  You walked in the room, and felt by the door for the string.  The other was tied to the bedpost.  Once in bed, pull that string and the lights would be off.  Almost like remote control.

Today, Judy's son rewired the lights in his apartment so they are all on wi-fi,  At a certain time the lights go on, and at 7 they dim, then turn off at 8.  His bedroom light goes on like an alarm clock, when he wakes up.  What technology we have experienced in 70+ years.  Lights, tv, music, all without lifting a finger.  A device that listens to your commands to turnup the music, change channels and whatever.  I think of the pull chain lights and  laugh at how we thought we were so smart.