Hello Friends: It’s sunny and bright outside my window and the sunshine is illuminating the colors of autumn. Maples, sweetgum, and oaks have red fall leaves. And dogwoods, black tupelo trees, sourwood trees, persimmons, and some sassafras trees also have red leaves. Hickory, ash, some maples, the yellow poplar (tulip tree), some oaks (white, chestnut, bear), some sassafras, some sweetgum, beech, birch, and sycamore trees have yellow leaves in the fall. Weather conditions, temperature, the amount of sunlight and how much rain falls, are contributing factors in color intensity. Low temperatures, but above freezing, are good for reds in maples, but an early frost can hurt a bright red color, according to SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Overcast days tend to make all colors more intense. I hope you get a chance to enjoy the outdoors.
Sue Early on behalf of the Colchester Town Library: What a beautiful Maple Leaf Celebration we had this year. Beautiful weather, delicious food and despite the many festivities in surrounding communities, we had a nice crowd supporting Downsville. A big thank you from the Colchester Town Library to the Lion’s Club for sponsoring this event and the folks who donated baskets for our raffle. Thanks to board members Susan, Amber, Nancy, Pam Barry and Ben. Thanks, too, to Cindi Early, DePuy Construction, Ramona Ryan, Gordie Tompkins, Walter Lacey and Dayette Zampolin. Generous donations plus the patronage of so many made the raffle a huge success with the library earning a profit of $583. New flooring is being installed in the library, and administrators want to improve the children’s area also, to make the entire library comfortable and inviting. The funds will help the board meet those needs. There will be an open house for the community when all is done.
I have been following Downsville Central School on Facebook and I am wowed by the opportunities that are provided for our children. Field trips and seasonal activities, different levels of sports and interesting speakers, art and music classes, and after-school activities as well, all add to the fine education they are being provided. Thank you teachers, administration and others who care so deeply for our children and their welfare including custodians, bus drivers, aides and lunch providers. We are blessed to have such a wonderful school system in our little town.
One of the many patriotic events Downsville Central School supports each year is the Veteran’s Day luncheon and celebration provided for local Veterans. If you are a local Veteran and would like to attend the luncheon Nov. 8 at 12:45 p.m., you must register with Sarah Hood at 607-363-2111 before Nov. 2 so organizers will have an accurate count. Veterans and members of the community are also invited to attend the Veterans’ Day Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. with performances by the music department and a guest speaker. The event is always well attended and warmly received.
Reminder: the Colchester Community United Methodist Church will have a rummage sale Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Downsville Fire Hall. If you can help set up and take down contact Debbie Odell. If you have items to donate, they are accepted at the fire hall Thursday the 24 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday is bag day and runs 8 a.m. and 12 noon only. Purchases are freewill donations so come for the treasures…
And a reminder that the committee working on the comprehensive plan for the town of Colchester will meet Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the town hall. The committee comprises community officials, Delaware County officials, regional and local stakeholders and town of Colchester residents. To check project details, go to Townofcolchesterny.com
Until next week, Peace ~
