The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month is recognized as the armistice between the Allied nations and Germay, the end of The Great War, or as we know it today, World War I. November 11th did not become a holiday in the United States until 1938, and then it was called Armistice Day, commemorating only those who fell in World War I. It wasn't until 1954 that the name was changed to Veteran's Day, honoring veterans from all wars.
In 1995, Marie McCutcheon, Ripley Town Historian, wrote about the War of 1812 veteran, Lt. Campbell Alexander, and his forgotten grave located near Old Route 20 in Forsyth. While Ripley has grave sites of her veteran's dating back to the Revolution, Alexander's last resting place is unique in that it does not lie in a cemetery, but rather in a small meadow on what is now property of J. Simon Watso, owner of Schloss Doepken Winery. It is covered by a 6' x 40" flat stone, the markings worn off by time and weather. Civil War veteran, Nathan Horton, first took the responsibility of tending the burial site, passing on his duties to World War I vet George "Jobie" Trump. When Trump died in 1980 the grave of Lt. Alexander was forgotten for a time, but Mr. Watso has done his best to keep it mowed and has erected a flag pole. There are no funds or volunteers to keep the memory of one of Ripley's earliest heroes alive. Mrs. McCutcheon chastised the citizens of Ripley for their failure to honor this fallen warrior.
The Ripley Veteran's Roll of Honor Committee is now making sure none of her veteran's from WWI onward are forgotten. Funds have been raised over the past two years to construct a lasting, living memorial to the men and women of Ripley who have served their country proudly and honorably. The six fighting service branches of the military will be represented with the names and ranks of the many Ripley veterans who have served over the years. The memorial will be updated every year or two, to include the newest members of the U.S. Armed Services.
Two dozen members of the RVRH Committee have worked hundreds of hours to make this vision come true. Dozens of community members contributed money to get the job started. Grants were obtained, donations of time and material given by local businesses. And now, the efforts of all these good folks will come to fruition this Veteran's Day. At the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month the dedication of the Ripley Veteran's Memorial will take place. A short ceremony on the school lawn will be followed by a luncheon at Meeder's Restaurant, featuring several speakers. The public is invited and encouraged to come and honor those who gave their service and sacrifice to the country they love.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
If you missed Bob Skelding and his team of four Percherons clip clopping through Westfield last Friday, the 24th, it's not too late to jump on the wagontrain. You can catch up with Bob and his horses, Joyce, DeeDee, Dolly and Doc online at http://wagonteamster.com. Skelding left Deerfield, New Hampshire late last July on a trek across country, no destination in mind. Bob Skelding is a man with no purpose other than to travel the countryside the old fashioned way, slowly, one town at a time, savoring all this land has to offer, and the hospitality of the people he meets.
Friday it was Westfield's turn to meet and greet this man travelling the simple side of life. And greet him they did, if Skelding's blog is any indication. He was met along the way with offers of money, hay for the horses, and even homemade grape juice! The Eggert farm was host for the night for Bob and his horses. Dave Eggert heard the wagon was passing through and drove out to meet it. After talking a bit, Eggert offered a place to stay overnight for the team of Percheron's alongside his Belgian draft horses. "I just tried to be a good host," says Dave, "and got him up to the Amish to get shoes for his horses."
The wagon is one that Skelding built himself. "It had to be light enough for the horses to pull, yet sturdy enough to live in," he says on his website. While nothing fancy, it has a hot shower and kitchen facilities among other amenities of home. Bob stops often to talk with the well-wishers along the way, and then when he's done visiting, you can hear him softly call, "Joyce, DeeDee, Dolly, DOC! g'yup!"
To read more about Bob Skelding and his adventure, and to wish him well in his guestbook, visit him online at http://wagonteamster.com.
Friday it was Westfield's turn to meet and greet this man travelling the simple side of life. And greet him they did, if Skelding's blog is any indication. He was met along the way with offers of money, hay for the horses, and even homemade grape juice! The Eggert farm was host for the night for Bob and his horses. Dave Eggert heard the wagon was passing through and drove out to meet it. After talking a bit, Eggert offered a place to stay overnight for the team of Percheron's alongside his Belgian draft horses. "I just tried to be a good host," says Dave, "and got him up to the Amish to get shoes for his horses."
The wagon is one that Skelding built himself. "It had to be light enough for the horses to pull, yet sturdy enough to live in," he says on his website. While nothing fancy, it has a hot shower and kitchen facilities among other amenities of home. Bob stops often to talk with the well-wishers along the way, and then when he's done visiting, you can hear him softly call, "Joyce, DeeDee, Dolly, DOC! g'yup!"
To read more about Bob Skelding and his adventure, and to wish him well in his guestbook, visit him online at http://wagonteamster.com.
Newspaper Articles
As you know, I've been writing for the local weekly newspaper. I'll try to post the articles I've written so those of you who don't get the paper can keep up. Thanks for your interest.
"Today marks the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I." And with those words Master Sergeant Robert McIntosh, USMC retired, drew a crowd in excess of 300 to his attention for the dedication of the Ripley Veteran's Roll of Honor. The morning was filled with symobolism, from the black granite stone, representing tyranny and oppression, that tops the red column of bloodshed, to the posting of the colors of all branches of military service and the American flag, to the 21 gun salute carried out by Westfield VFW Post #2769, to the playing of Taps. "We are assembled here to pay tribute to the men and women of our community who have served in the United States armed forces... for the preservation of our way of life," intoned David Bower as military dignataries and government officials stood at attention.
What began as a vision of Roger Testrakes's two years ago came to fruition on Veteran's Day 2008. The committe of eleven, spearheaded by Karen Krause and Robert Bentley, and countless volunteers and contributors are to be commended for the unique memorial they created so that Ripley veteran's, past and future, will always be recognized for their service to America. The stainless steel cabinets that house the names of "those who have contributed and sacrificed so much for our country and our freedom" will be updated in a year's time to include the names of those veterans who were not inlcuded in the initial listing, thus making this a living, growing memorial. New additions to Ripley's Roll of Honor will be added periodically after that.
The Dedication continued in Meeder's Restaurant where approximately 175 people were treated to a luncheon. Karen Krause welcomed the guests, giving credit to Mr. Testrake for his initial idea for the monument, and thanking individuals and corporations alike for their many contributions of time and money. The meaning of sacrifice became personal when her son became an Air Force pilot, flying combat missions.
Bob Bentley, Co-Chair of the committee, stated, "I have served on boards and committees for over 20 years and I don't think we've ever had something like this happen here," referring to the amount of community effort that was put forth, and the huge turnout for the event. Kevin Muldowney, representing Catherine Young, NYS Senator, spoke of attending events in Ripley, but "never anything of this size. This is how government is supposed to work," helping communities achieve their goals. Chautauqua County Executive, Greg Edwards, observed that during the dedication he thought back to the first shovelful of dirt at the ground breaking and couldn't comprehend the amount of work it took to finish this memorial. "I can't recall a time I've been more proud. It's a wonderful thing to behold," he said. "This is what America's all about."
The star of the show, however, was The Honorable Michael E. Dunlavey, Major General U.S. Army, Retired. The General told the audience how he had retired from the service, until he watched the planes of 9/11 attack the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. He felt an overwhelming need to go back to active duty, to help defend his country against terrorists of all kinds. "Veteran's write a blank check to America," he said, "payable with their lives if necessary." He talked of the Vietnam Memorial, the Memorial to WWII veteran's, the monument in Burma which states, "When you go home, tell of us. For your tomorrow we paid our all today." And then he spoke of the pride he felt, watching Boy Scouts, Nate McIntosh and Zachary Mota, placing wreaths at the Ripley Memorial. Dunlavey lived in Ripley for 20 years and said, "I've never seen Ripley come together like this."
Two American flags, each flown over Bagdad, were presented at the ceremony, one by Dr. John Hamels and the other by Bill Mulson. And in closing Roger Testrake recited the words of poet Laurence Binyon from World War I: "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun and in the morning; We will remember them." The Benediction, by Rev. Marie Hanelsman of Ripley Presbyterian Church, and the wail of the bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" by Franklin Werren, brought the ceremony to an end.
If you or someone your know should be listed on the Ripley Roll of Honor, forms can be found at Meeder's Restaurant in Ripley. Any person who has or is serving in the military who lives or lived in Ripley is eligible. Information regarding veteran's should be sent to the attention of Marie McCutcheon at P.O. Box 363, Ripley, NY 14775. Stories, memoriblilia, photos, etc. should be sent to the same post office box to the attention of Robert Gibbs for inclusion in the website now under construciton.
"Today marks the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I." And with those words Master Sergeant Robert McIntosh, USMC retired, drew a crowd in excess of 300 to his attention for the dedication of the Ripley Veteran's Roll of Honor. The morning was filled with symobolism, from the black granite stone, representing tyranny and oppression, that tops the red column of bloodshed, to the posting of the colors of all branches of military service and the American flag, to the 21 gun salute carried out by Westfield VFW Post #2769, to the playing of Taps. "We are assembled here to pay tribute to the men and women of our community who have served in the United States armed forces... for the preservation of our way of life," intoned David Bower as military dignataries and government officials stood at attention.
What began as a vision of Roger Testrakes's two years ago came to fruition on Veteran's Day 2008. The committe of eleven, spearheaded by Karen Krause and Robert Bentley, and countless volunteers and contributors are to be commended for the unique memorial they created so that Ripley veteran's, past and future, will always be recognized for their service to America. The stainless steel cabinets that house the names of "those who have contributed and sacrificed so much for our country and our freedom" will be updated in a year's time to include the names of those veterans who were not inlcuded in the initial listing, thus making this a living, growing memorial. New additions to Ripley's Roll of Honor will be added periodically after that.
The Dedication continued in Meeder's Restaurant where approximately 175 people were treated to a luncheon. Karen Krause welcomed the guests, giving credit to Mr. Testrake for his initial idea for the monument, and thanking individuals and corporations alike for their many contributions of time and money. The meaning of sacrifice became personal when her son became an Air Force pilot, flying combat missions.
Bob Bentley, Co-Chair of the committee, stated, "I have served on boards and committees for over 20 years and I don't think we've ever had something like this happen here," referring to the amount of community effort that was put forth, and the huge turnout for the event. Kevin Muldowney, representing Catherine Young, NYS Senator, spoke of attending events in Ripley, but "never anything of this size. This is how government is supposed to work," helping communities achieve their goals. Chautauqua County Executive, Greg Edwards, observed that during the dedication he thought back to the first shovelful of dirt at the ground breaking and couldn't comprehend the amount of work it took to finish this memorial. "I can't recall a time I've been more proud. It's a wonderful thing to behold," he said. "This is what America's all about."
The star of the show, however, was The Honorable Michael E. Dunlavey, Major General U.S. Army, Retired. The General told the audience how he had retired from the service, until he watched the planes of 9/11 attack the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. He felt an overwhelming need to go back to active duty, to help defend his country against terrorists of all kinds. "Veteran's write a blank check to America," he said, "payable with their lives if necessary." He talked of the Vietnam Memorial, the Memorial to WWII veteran's, the monument in Burma which states, "When you go home, tell of us. For your tomorrow we paid our all today." And then he spoke of the pride he felt, watching Boy Scouts, Nate McIntosh and Zachary Mota, placing wreaths at the Ripley Memorial. Dunlavey lived in Ripley for 20 years and said, "I've never seen Ripley come together like this."
Two American flags, each flown over Bagdad, were presented at the ceremony, one by Dr. John Hamels and the other by Bill Mulson. And in closing Roger Testrake recited the words of poet Laurence Binyon from World War I: "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun and in the morning; We will remember them." The Benediction, by Rev. Marie Hanelsman of Ripley Presbyterian Church, and the wail of the bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" by Franklin Werren, brought the ceremony to an end.
If you or someone your know should be listed on the Ripley Roll of Honor, forms can be found at Meeder's Restaurant in Ripley. Any person who has or is serving in the military who lives or lived in Ripley is eligible. Information regarding veteran's should be sent to the attention of Marie McCutcheon at P.O. Box 363, Ripley, NY 14775. Stories, memoriblilia, photos, etc. should be sent to the same post office box to the attention of Robert Gibbs for inclusion in the website now under construciton.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Well, that was certainly an interesting post about Halloween! Didn't think it would squish itself like that...
The end of the grape harvest is drawing near, but I've noticed there are quite a few vineyards that haven't been picked as yet. Most of the leaves have shrivelled up and blown away, leaving huge bunches of exposed grapes. It's beautiful! I'm going to be sad to see them freeze and die, they smell so rich and luscious. I still have several bunches in a bowl on my china hutch. We don't eat them, I just have them there for the aroma.
Happy Halloween! I love this holiday, and Bob's done a great job building our "haunted outhouse!" LOL We were walking through the woods one day and came across an old tumbled down shack. I thought it would be great to take it apart and rebuild it in our yard as a haunted house. Turns out, it was originally on this property, and a three-seater to boot! (We left the seat in the woods...) It's now home to a skeleton head as well as a ghoul in a cage, which you can't see in this photo. It's lit up at night, along with our 6' spider climbing up the outside of our house.
I've collected a lot of Halloween decorations over the years, but now that I don't have daycare kids or their families to see them, it's kind of a waste, so I took a lot of my stuff to the office and decorated the window. We've had a lot of compliments and comments about it. Can't wait to do a Thanksgiving themed window next!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
First Week on the Job
I've just finished my first week of work at the Westfield Republican. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna really love the job, but MAN! this week has been grueling! I've made more than my fair share of mistakes, but they seem to want me to come back Monday anyway. Go figure.
I even got my first article in print! It's just a short piece on the lecture sponsored by the library about the Eriehonan Indians that lived in this area, but hey, it's a start. I've been told that anything I want to tackle will be considered. How cool is that. Who knows, they might even pay me for writing them some day...
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Cell phones
Life was so much simpler before cell phones...
I don't deny the convenience of having a cell phone to call the folks and find out just exactly what it is they want from the grocery store, or having the ability to forward my home phone so I don't miss an important call, or knowing I have a lifeline in case of an emergency, but overall, I think life was less hectic without them. I think we have created an added stresser to our lives. We are never away from the office, or the family, or interruptions. A leisurely stroll in the woods is jarred by the not-so-ducet tones of the ringing phone. A conversation is brought to a halt while we answer the interrupting phone. And we all know how annoying it is to be behind a driver on the cell phone, weaving around, slowing down, pulling into the lane in front of you.
I came across a new annoying circumstance with the cell today. I had run into McDonald's (another modern evil) for a quick Coke. In line ahead of me were two women, one of them on her phone. After the nice young man asked if he could help them, the friend not on the phone had to call the name of the other three times to see what she wanted. The reply was, "ohhh... uh, a chicken sandwich," she replied vaguely and she went back to her conversation. Not knowing what KIND of chicken sandwich she wanted, her friend had to call her an additional five times to get her attention. In the time she took to actually pay attention and give her order, we both could have had our orders taken and filled, and gotten out of there! Hang up the phone and pay attention!
I don't deny the convenience of having a cell phone to call the folks and find out just exactly what it is they want from the grocery store, or having the ability to forward my home phone so I don't miss an important call, or knowing I have a lifeline in case of an emergency, but overall, I think life was less hectic without them. I think we have created an added stresser to our lives. We are never away from the office, or the family, or interruptions. A leisurely stroll in the woods is jarred by the not-so-ducet tones of the ringing phone. A conversation is brought to a halt while we answer the interrupting phone. And we all know how annoying it is to be behind a driver on the cell phone, weaving around, slowing down, pulling into the lane in front of you.
I came across a new annoying circumstance with the cell today. I had run into McDonald's (another modern evil) for a quick Coke. In line ahead of me were two women, one of them on her phone. After the nice young man asked if he could help them, the friend not on the phone had to call the name of the other three times to see what she wanted. The reply was, "ohhh... uh, a chicken sandwich," she replied vaguely and she went back to her conversation. Not knowing what KIND of chicken sandwich she wanted, her friend had to call her an additional five times to get her attention. In the time she took to actually pay attention and give her order, we both could have had our orders taken and filled, and gotten out of there! Hang up the phone and pay attention!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Artsy-craftsy stuff
I've been feeling rather artsy/craftsy lately, and, not having any money to blow, I've been looking at decorations and centerpieces at different places, and then trying to figure out how to make similar things at home. My first attempt was an autumn spray for my front door. I've been trying to download the picture, but can't seem to do it. Anyway, I showed it my mother, and she liked it so well she wanted me to make one for her too. I bought most of the flowers at the Family Dollar, as well as the autumn leaf garlands, and then wove them through the back of a plastic flat from the greenhouse.
My next project was a cute little thing I saw at Wegman's grocery store. It was just a bunch of raffia tied together, then spread out with little fall decorations in the middle. I put it on the fireplace hearth with an arrangement of squashes and gourds.
I have all kinds of projects and ideas I wanted to do, and have not felt pressed for time to get them done. Now this week I'm scrambling because I just got offered a job! No more goofing off all day, I'll have to actually plan my time. sigh Oh well, it's a job I'll love I'm pretty sure. Just wish is wasn't full time.
My next project was a cute little thing I saw at Wegman's grocery store. It was just a bunch of raffia tied together, then spread out with little fall decorations in the middle. I put it on the fireplace hearth with an arrangement of squashes and gourds.
I have all kinds of projects and ideas I wanted to do, and have not felt pressed for time to get them done. Now this week I'm scrambling because I just got offered a job! No more goofing off all day, I'll have to actually plan my time. sigh Oh well, it's a job I'll love I'm pretty sure. Just wish is wasn't full time.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
3-seater outhouse
I'm a huge fan of Halloween. I love decorating inside and out, and now with our new place I actually have a large yard to work with. I had this brainstorm ~ build a haunted house in the yard that can be seen from the road! Not the kind of haunted house where people can actually walk into it, just a Halloween prop, viewed by passersby.
Bob and I were walking in the woods a week or so back, and came across a tumbled down shack of a building lying among the trees. I could swear I saw an animal of some kind scurry inside as we got closer, so maybe it was home to a few critters. On closer inspection we discovered it was an old outhouse! I thought it would be perfect for my haunted house! So we got permission from the owner of the land to tear it apart and bring it home to be reconstructed. Turns out the outhouse (a three-seater!) belonged on our property years ago. Three brothers lived here, and while they had electricity, they had no running water or toilet facilities in the house. We left the triple seat in the woods, but tore apart the building as carefully as we could, loaded it on the truck, and brought it back home.
I meant to take a picture before we got started dismantling it, but of course I forgot. Bob says he's going to get started this week, trying to reconstruct it. He'll need some 4 x 4s for the frame since the originals are mostly rotted away, but if it turns out half of what I'm imagining, it'll be soooo cooool!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Family Ties
I just passed a very enjoyable evening with sister Dawn and her family, husband Ted, son Trevor, daughter Rachel, and son-in-law Rob. The original plan was for them to come over and play board games with us, but I thought dinner would be nice too. My dad complains that I cook too much "big city food" and I'll have to learn the hard way that people here don't like that kind of stuff. So, true to form, I made big city food, consisting of a dish called Quadrettini (a glorified sort of goulash made with the usual ingredients plus spinach, carrots and celery), and homemade basil garlic bread. It was a big hit, everybody going back for seconds and sometimes thirds. The bread is gone but for one end piece. I had intended to make pumpkin pie, but we drove past an Amish baked goods stand earlier in the day and I couldn't pass up the apple and raspberry pies, so we had those for dessert instead.
After dinner we broke out the games. Pictionary is always fun, considering none of us can draw worth a darn. Then we went on to Pit, a loud game of trading cards where Trevor (who appears to be shy and quiet - don't let him fool you!) beat the pants off all of us! Then on to Anybody's Guess (or something like that), a game of guessing the word in the fewest number of clues. About halfway through Pictionary Trevor suggested we have pie. Actually, it was more like, in a lull in the conversation we heard the word, "PIE!" So we broke for pie, went back to games, and Trevor got up and helped himself to more pie, and chocolates passed around... I feel like a swarm of locusts have hit my house! LOL Seriously, it was good to see Trevor eat, and to know that everybody liked what I served. Very gratifying, Dad.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
This and that
I like this blog site a lot better than the one MSN has to offer, so I've switched over. The other site still exists, but only until I figure out how to delete it.
I've been job hunting and found an office job at the local newspaper. I'm really excited about it, cuz that gets me a foot in the door to start getting my writing published. I've sent my resume and cover letter in, so hopefully I'll hear something soon. I'm not crazy about working fulltime, but since we really need the money right now, it'll have to do. I was rather enjoying my leisure time - maybe too much. Time to go out in the world and contribute something.
I've been job hunting and found an office job at the local newspaper. I'm really excited about it, cuz that gets me a foot in the door to start getting my writing published. I've sent my resume and cover letter in, so hopefully I'll hear something soon. I'm not crazy about working fulltime, but since we really need the money right now, it'll have to do. I was rather enjoying my leisure time - maybe too much. Time to go out in the world and contribute something.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Fall is Coming!
I've been watching the hay fields all summer. Well, not exactly all summer, but ever since they mowed the fields and rolled the hay into giant rolls. I've been fascinated with them all season; they're like large, brown, moist rolls of Shredded Wheat. They've lain haphazardly in the field until this week, when they were moved into neat rows, waiting for the fork to lift them into the hay wagons. I'll be sad to see them go. I've watched them in the early morning light and the setting sun, and at all hours of the day; they've become like old friends to me, familiar, with no need to speak.
Likewise, I've been fascinated with the corn field behind my house. The tiny shoots emerged from the groundin the spring, seemingly too fragile to sustain themselves, but in time grew to over seven feet high! I could watch the growth progress hourly in the early days, and now they spent their time maturing the ears of corn, the tassles turning ever more golden brown. The corn will be used for sileage for the dairy cows next door. As a matter of fact, the tractor made it's first pass yesterday, cutting the stalks at the ground, feeding the entire plant through the shredder and throwing the ground up bits of those magnificent plants into the trailer behind. Even as I write this, the tractor winds its way up and down the rows, leaving bare earth in its path.
The grapes have ripened, almost ready to pick. I can smell the heady sweet aroma in the air, even though the nearest vineyard is several hundred yards away, beyond the corn field, past the trees along the meandering creek. I have no real use for the Concord grapes that grow here. I don't jelly or can them. I don't make the syrupy sweet wine that comes from Concords. I just love the smell of them. Soon I'll pick a few bunches, bring them into the house, and let them release their potent scent to fill the house.
Likewise, I've been fascinated with the corn field behind my house. The tiny shoots emerged from the groundin the spring, seemingly too fragile to sustain themselves, but in time grew to over seven feet high! I could watch the growth progress hourly in the early days, and now they spent their time maturing the ears of corn, the tassles turning ever more golden brown. The corn will be used for sileage for the dairy cows next door. As a matter of fact, the tractor made it's first pass yesterday, cutting the stalks at the ground, feeding the entire plant through the shredder and throwing the ground up bits of those magnificent plants into the trailer behind. Even as I write this, the tractor winds its way up and down the rows, leaving bare earth in its path.
The grapes have ripened, almost ready to pick. I can smell the heady sweet aroma in the air, even though the nearest vineyard is several hundred yards away, beyond the corn field, past the trees along the meandering creek. I have no real use for the Concord grapes that grow here. I don't jelly or can them. I don't make the syrupy sweet wine that comes from Concords. I just love the smell of them. Soon I'll pick a few bunches, bring them into the house, and let them release their potent scent to fill the house.
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