Bowling at the Village Gym (Mills and Petrie Memorial Gymnasium), how many of you have a memory of bowling or setting pins to share.  Did you bowl on a league?  What was your team name and sponsor?  Please email: guindfam@... or call 625-4575.

Cindy and Duane Hazelton of  Clayton spent the afternoon with Chet and Gretchen Sayer last week, they enjoyed plenty of laughs.  The Sayers hope they come again soon.  

Former Parish resident, Katherine Gimlick flew out of Plattsburgh to Myrtle Beach on Oct. 12.  It was a lengthy drive for her son, Greg, but he didn't seem to mind -- since it was so much easier for her.   Greg and Katherine took his motor home and spent a few days in a beautiful state park at Jordan Lake.  The weather was beautiful and they loved every minute.  There was a Parade of Homes that weekend and Kathy loves to look at million dollar homes so they went through some of those. Nice to see how the "other half" can live!  N.C. State Fair was on, so the three of them spent Sunday there.  They have a really nice fair but it was quite crowded.  The next day was spent relaxing a bit.  Greg and Katherine spent quite a bit of time enjoying Barnes & Noble Book Store.  The highlight of Katherine’s visit was meeting her first great grandchild, 7 month old, Dane LeLand Gimlick.  Naturally, he is a real doll!  Of course, Great Grandmother would think that -- but he really is.  The time came for Katherine to head back north to the cold, on Wednesday, October 22.  A wonderful time was had and she cherishes the time with her North Carolina family.  Greg celebrated his birthday on Oct. 25, of course, Katherine talked to him on the phone. 

Katherine extends her best to all of her dear Parish friends.

Carol Wells of Mt Kisco NY and Rosemary Roche of Phoenix Arizona were recent guests of their cousins Fred, Bridget and Kathy Swartz. While here they had lunch in Watertown with cousins Maureen, Tricia, and Chris Swartz. On Saturday they enjoyed brunch at the home of Jonathan, Brenda, Max and Maggie Swartz in Rochester. Joining them were Todd, Colleen, Brandon and Patrick Cicchetti and Jeremy, Carrie and Dylan Wells. In the afternoon they watched Max Swartz play soccer and Jon Swartz coach the team.

New roof, insulation and new windows!!! Oh My! All completed at the Mills and Petrie Memorial Gymnasium, 2938 East Main Street. Our historic "Grand Lady" is looking awesome.

Let basketball begin! Every Saturday evening in Nov., the gym will be open from 6 - 8 p.m. for youths up to the age of 15; and from 8 - 10 p.m. it will be open to 16 year olds and up. On Wed. evenings from 6- 9 p.m. Nov. 5, 19 and 26 it will be open to men and women 18 years and older for basketball.

Square and Round Square Dancing will be held on Thursday or Friday evenings 6-10 p.m. in Nov. Fpr more information call 625-5040.

But there is something that you need to know! There will be a users fee. (that is subject to change!) Parish residents: $1 per night. Non-residents: $2 per night. Bring proof of residency. No fee with military ID. This fee will help in defraying the huge cost to heat our gym.

The Parish Recreation program has come a long way, during the winter months of 2007-08, there was something happening at the gym just about every night of the week. It is evident that Parish does need and wants recreation! Attend the public hearing on Thurs. Nov. 6 at 7 p.m and fight to keep recreation in the budget for 2009. Let's fight the fight, to keep recreation alive in Parish!

I have been volunteering with recreation for more than ten years now, it is time to pass the baton. I will no longer be the recreation coordinator as of Dec. 2008. This does not mean that my love for Parish has diminished. I will still be very active in Parish!

Remember the gymnasium will be closed for the month of December for recreational activities, because of the very worthwhile Parish Ecumenical Food Pantry's Christmas basket program.

The Greater Parish Area Chamber of Commerce and Parish Recreation will host the annual Holiday Celebration with family activities on Dec. 6. The tree lighting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Parish Veteran Memorial Park and then move to the Mills and Petrie Memorial Gymnasium for refreshments, visit with Santa, at 7 p.m. dancing demonstrations with Right Step Dance Studio, crafts, raffle of themed baskets and more. Craft vendors are needed and donations of themed baskets as well. Get involved!

Don't forget there will be an house/business decorating contest as well. Houses/businesses will need to be decorated by Dec. 1, 2008; and will be judged (exterior only) between Dec. 1-5. The winners will be announced at the Holiday Celebration on Saturday Dec. 6. It is simple send in your name, physical address of your home or business to be judged, phone number and email address (neatly printed) along with a $2 entry fee to "Greater Parish Area Chamber of Commerce" PO Box 303, Parish, NY 13131. It must be received by, Fri. Nov, 28.
Prize money: $20 first place and $10 second place; Business--top entry will receive 1/4 ad in the Independent Mirror.

As a last hurrah for 2008! A New Years Eve family celebration will be held at the Mills and Petrie Memorial Gymnasium with basketball, table tennis, games, cards and more.

Please get involved, start volunteering, keep recreation alive, keep Parish alive! Call 625-4575.

At the Town of Parish Board will be a public hearing on the 2009 budget to take place on Thurs. Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Mills and Petrie Memorial Gymnasium.  If you are a resident of Parish, you just might want to attend.

The Parish Town Historical Society has found it necessary to cancel the fall cemetery walk at the Pleasant Lawn Cemetery. 

The Renaissance Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 8^th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  The cost is $10.00 per spot and an additional $5.00 if you would like a table provided.

The annual APW Dollars for Scholars Card and Game Party will be held at the Russell Horning American Legion Post #601, Route 69A, Parish, NY on Saturday Nov. 15, 2008 from 1 to 4 pm.  Bring you family and friends, favorite game to play and enjoy being waited on while enjoying the afternoon and supporting the scholarship program.  There will be a $4.00 donation at the door which includes finger foods and snacks as well as door prize drawings.  There are also opportunities to participate in other great raffles while having fun playing games of your choice.  All proceeds are awarded in the form of scholarships to APW Seniors.  Hope to see you there.  If there are any questions call 625-4255.

To make this column interesting and informative, we need to hear from you, email information to guindfam@... or call 625-4575.

Blessings and Peace be with you,

Mary Lou Miller Guindon/'75
315 625 4575