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.

The food drive began with the Parish Fall Fest and ended at the Parish Elementary School on Friday, Nov. 7  The results were overwhelming.  Our children should be so proud of their efforts  and the great number of families that they will help because of this endeavor.  Can after can, box after box and bag after bag were divided equally.  The Amboy, Dugway,  and Parish Food Pantries are grateful for everyone that has participated, and for the school to provide us with this opportunity. 

Monday, November 10, Gretchen Sayer treated ol’ friends:  Nancy Bookheimer, Sharon Robbins and Mary Lou Guindon to breakfast at the Grist Mill Restaurant. 

The Parish Ecumenical Food Pantry had a delivery on Wed. Nov. 12 from the Food Bank.  A special thanks to Scott Allardice, George Cusack; Lynda Dawley; the Guindon Girls: Mary Lou, Tia, Nicole and Kayla; Judy and Zephi Karboski; Kelli, Kim and Kami Perkins; David Sperling and of course, Fred and Bridget Swartz. 

Evelyn and Gary Stelmashuck and family hosted a “meet and greet” for State Senator Darrell Aubertine at their home on Thursday before election.  The guests enjoyed a delicious buffet.  The senator answered questions and spoke on the current issues.   Senator Aubertine and his wife, Margaret were guests of the Stelmashucks for a “meet and greet” in February 2008 also.  Senator Aubertine jokingly commented that every time he comes to the Stelmashuck’s, there is snow on the ground.

Evelyn Stelmashuck hosted a bachelorette party for Connie Cissell Meaney at a local establishment (HVI) recently.  The bride-to-be was blindfolded and taken to the appointed destination.  Many games were played (a few x-rated).  After dinner a delicious cake (decorated with a bit of risqué embellishments) was enjoyed by all.  To say the least the guest of honor was completely astonished at the surprise “entertainer”, who by the way, took quite a liking to MBS.  We heard that DP was approached by a patron for a date.  It seems PW and SR sure know the male anatomy.  By the end of the night everyone was in tears from laughter.  Quite a wild evening for all of those Catholic ladies.  Evelyn, does Gary know you took that stripper home ?!?!  

Amish cooking is alive and well at the Miller farm, 70  Spencer Road.  Their Bakery is again open for business.

The farm stand now offers breads, cookies, coffee cakes, fruit pies, and the most delightful fry pies. Special orders for baked goods from their NYS approved kitchen will cater to any occasion.

Produce is still available, including onions, squash and pumpkins from the field.

In addition to the produce stand, a small store for packaged goods offers Amish potato chips, candies, bulk cooking ingredients and nutritional supplies.

Baskets in a variety of sizes and shapes and other handmade items including pot holders and crib blankets are available year around for unusual gifts as well as for practical use around the home.

A visit to this working farm store is a treat for the whole family. 

The Parish Town Historical Society's 2009 calendars are now available. This years edition features historic Parish photos with animals each month. The memory filled calendar remains at $7 each.   You may purchase a calendar at the Parish Public Library during regular business hours M 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 7-9 p.m.; W 12 - 3 p.m.; Th 7-9 p.m. or Sat. 12-5 p.m.  

For a copy to be mailed directly to you; send a check payable to Parish Town Historical Society (PTHS) for $10 per calendar (includes shipping) to PTHS Treasurer Gloria White 296 White Road Parish, NY 13131.

The Parish Town Historical Society held their monthly meeting on Wed. Nov. 12 at the Mills and Petrie Memorial Gymnasium.  With the 2008 fall cemetery walk being cancelled, the group plans to have the spring walk at Pleasant Lawn Cemetery in 2009 if all the particulars work out. The details for the Christmas potluck dinner were finalized as follows:  Wed. Dec. 10, beginning at 6:15 p.m. at the gym, bring a dish to pass, a canned food item for the Parish food pantry and a $3 wrapped gift item.  The table service and beverages will be provided.

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.

To conserve energy, the Parish Hardware will have a new winter hours schedule beginning on Monday, Dec. 1.  The hours will be 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sundays.

The Greater Parish Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a house/business decorating contest.. 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.

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