Sunday, March 22 the Parish United Methodist Church  members will be hosting a dinner and a movie.  The movie to be viewed at 4:30 p.m. will be “A Bridge to Terabithia”.  Bring a dish to pass.

The Friends of the Parish Public Library were delighted with the success of the Book Sale held February 28th at the Library.  A large group of people gathered with one thing in common - the love of books and reading.   There were people in attendance from Syracuse to Mannsville and many places in between.  A lady from Syracuse stated  "She would rather attend a book sale than an opening at the theater".  Another lady said she had received some unexpected money  and what better way to spend some of that money than to buy a book.  There was a book antiquarian, who found some treasures, another person was in the process of furnishing her home library for future reading - the reasons go on, but the common thread was the love of books.  The Parish Public Library through an ongoing 'weeding process of their collection' and the very generous book donations from the public, we were able to offer a very large and varied selection of books to choose from.  No one attending the sale   went home empty-handed.  Everyone was warmly greeted with cookies provided by Friends Treasurer, Gretchen Sayer, a cup of hot tea or juice. With book marks given to all.  The Friends would like to thank the Volunteers: Ann King, Marion Popp, Carol Miller, Morgan Frederick, and Jay Harvey,  the library staff: Director, Bridget Swartz, Verna Henderson, Bruce Lewis and a very special thanks to intern Jamie Rhoades.  Without the dedication these ladies and gentlemen it would not have  been possible to have such a great sale.  At the end of a very busy day the Friends were able to raise a total of $465.00.  Lastly, thank you, the public, for attending.

Katherine Gimlick and her daughter, Marcia Wagner vacationed in Atlantic Beach , NC from March 1 through the 13th.  Their stay was made much nicer with Katherine’s son, Greg Gimlick, in  the unit right next to them.  It was a bit chilly and very windy, but we thoroughly enjoyed their time together.  Katherine’s nephew and niece, Doug and Marty Smith of New Bern, NC joined them for dinner one evening.  Greg's wife, Kathy, could only be there for a weekend but they sure treasured every minute.  On the return to the north, they spent a full day in Colonial Williamsburg, and also stopped off over night in Albany to do a bit of shopping.  Needless to say, they were a bit tired when arriving home on the 16th but very happy after a great vacation. 

Jan Morse and granddaughter, Vanessa Dupree spent the afternoon together after preschool.  They played outside and then enjoyed hot chocolate, played restaurant and did their nails.  It was a fun day.

On Saturday, March 14, Grandma Jan Morse and grandson, Vejhrec Dupree went on a date.  It was both their birthday.  They went shopping and out to dinner at Ponderosa Steakhouse, where they sang “Happy Birthday”  to them.

Just a few of the many, many POSITIVELY POWERFUL WOMEN of the Parish community attended a special service dedicated to the influential women in our lives on Sunday, March 15 at the Parish-Hastings Presbyterian Church.  This was a time to recognize and celebrate their many accomplishments, the ways that they have or do inspire others to live out their dreams, a time to share our thanks.  THANK YOU!!! to all that attended and all that were not able to join us this time.

photo of women  l to r Patti Auringer and daughter Amelia, Cheryl King, Aubryn and Evelyn Stelmashuck, Eleanor Jacobson, Clara Sterio, Mary Lou Guindon, Ann King, Bridget Swartz, Jamie Crutchley, Ruth House, Lydia Cusack and Nicole Guindon.  Missing from photo:  Lillian Harter, Tia and Kayla Guindon

The Greater Parish Area Chamber of Commerce “Parish Irish Days” was another huge success and a beautiful day for the grand parade that just keeps growing.   A special thanks to the vendors: Evelyn House, Parish Town Historical Society, Dori Rolon, Mary Lou Taro, Bonnie Frederick, Parish Dining & Activity Center, Parish Health Center, Rolanda Maynes, the Perkins family with Relay for Life, Miss Jamie’s Right Step Dance Studio, Girl Scout Troops 496 and 710, Phyllis Dayger and all those that took time to stop by at the Mills and Petrie Memorial Gymnasium.  Kudos to the Parish Volunteer Fire Company for hosting the pancake breakfast.  Special thanks to Laura Vannah of Bright Star Productionz and the amazing cast and especially the Grist Mill Restaurant staff for accommodating the hilarious mystery dinner theatre.

OCO Senior Services “Mayors for Meals” Campaign was held in Parish on Wed.,  March 18 with community partners; Parish Town Deputy Supervisor Fred Swartz and Don Lewis representing Mayor Leon Heagle volunteering along with John Pierce in delivering meals to the homebound constituents in Parish.  

L-R  Fred Swartz, Parish Town Deputy Supervisor; Don Lewis, filling in for Mayor Leon Heagle; John Pierce, volunteer for home deliveries and Diane Berry, Senior Services Delivery Assistant.

Parish Town Deputy Supervisor Fred Swartz said that he and Supervisor Steve Stelmashuck strongly support the delivered meals program and the Dining and Activity Center for senior citizens.  The two interrelated programs help make it possible for seniors to stay in their home community and continue to have good meals and to lead healthy social lives.  Deputy Supervisor Fred Swartz also added that as a 70 year old senior he enjoys going to the Parish Dining and Activity Center and sharing a meal and conversation with long time friends.

The March for Meals is a national campaign, initiated and sponsored by Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), to raise awareness of senior hunger and to encourage action on the part of the local community.  The local Senior Dining and Activities Centers are there to empower and enrich our seniors. 

They say every small town has a 1,000 stories to tell.  Well we believe Parish has 1,001.  We invite you to join us on Wednesday, April 8th, 7pm at the Mills and Petrie Memorial Gymnasium for a roundtable get together of storytelling.  Whether you have a story, anecdote or would just like to sit and listen, you are most welcome to come enjoy this ‘community’ get together with friends and neighbors.  Refreshments will be served.  If you need a ride that evening please call Evelyn Stelmashuck @ 625-7262 or Nancy Bookheimer @ 625-7138. Thank you and  look forward to seeing you on the 8th.

The Parish Relay for Life Committee will launch its 2009 fundraiser at a kick-off "25th Birthday Celebration" March 27 at 7 p.m. at the Altmar-Parish-Williamstown High School , County Route 22, Parish.  Come join the party, and enjoy the fun!  You won’t want to miss it. There will be delightful party music and games along with finger sandwiches, vegetable trays, assorted chips and beverages. For desserts you'll have Birthday cake and misc. cookies and brownies.

Girl Scouts of the Mexico Service Unit announce their annual spring event at the BOCES Mall.  The Girl Scout “World Cultures” Carnival will be held on Sat. April 4 from noon to 3 PM.  The public is encouraged to attend this fun family event.   Games, crafts and food items range from 25 cents to one dollar.  And of course, those popular donation themed baskets will be available.

An update for the  Class of 1998/1999 reunion to be held on August 29, 2009 from 7 - 11 pm at the Calypso Cay Restaurant in Brewerton.  If you have not heard from either of these representatives:  Class of 1999 Contact: Lisa Dennison Lisavoley2@...  or Class of 1998 Contact: Ariane Hamblin ahamblindvm@... Please contact them today!

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