Publisher ENCA
Volume Number 3 Issue Number 25
July, 2006

~Whoa, when were we last acquainted in the Gazette? Well, I know, because it's on the E-N website. FYO, it was November, 2005. The world turns and life in our little burgh has gone on also.

~The efforts put forth by a number of people to get some sense of community going have seemingly fallen on hard times. The ENCA (Erieville-Nelson Community Association) has not met as a group in quite awhile, but individually, the folks who supported the idea continue as involved citizens, locally. The last hurrah from the budding Garden Club met on the Erieville Lake dam in Oct '05 to plant a bunch of daffodil bulbs. They did come up this year, if anyone paused to notice. They didn't happen there just by chance but because some people were interested. ~ The banner project proved difficult both for financial reasons and problems using the power company poles. To date, all the banners are up, 10 each in Erieville and Nelson, and they will remain up until they get ragged.

~Subtle and individual changes have taken place. And that may be where real life happens. Personally, I am acquainted with more of my neighbors than I have been in the past. There is an expanding group of individuals who are becoming involved in the bicentennial birthdays of our County, 2006 and our Town, 2007.

~One of our people was selected as Citizen of the Year for the County, in a field of many people's names submitted for that particular honor. Celia Markowski has been collecting for various charities, contributing baked goods to countless church and civic events, written a community newsletter; the list goes on. It is a well-deserved honor.

Celia and brother-in-law, Walt Markowski, at the banquet.

~Janet Ohlsen of Irish Hill Road won the Town logo contest and plans are afoot to construct "real" welcoming signs at the Town of Nelson borders on Rte 20.

~A committee has been organized to update the Town Comprehensive Plan that was first voted into law in 1990. We do seem to have a lot of rules and regulations in this, (still rural) area that may be more restrictive than we need. Maybe we should trust the folks who live here a little bit more to do what is best in their own lives and keep the Town government out of it. This is an oft heard sentiment expressed around here. The place to voice your concerns is at the Town Board meetings held each month on the second Thursday at 7 P.M. This is where you can interface with your elected Town officials.

~We've all had our properties reassessed this year so we know we're worth a lot more than previously.

~Lots of new houses are going up in the Town and farmlands are turning into mini estates. Horses seem to have replaced dairy cows as the main large animal. There are 10 actual horse farms in the Town of Nelson and many more people own a horse or two, or more. The hamlet of Erieville has seen a lot of construction recently, and is looking mighty fine.

~The weather has been unsettled this spring and summer and challenged our Highway Department in many areas where Mother Nature has seemed determined to turn hard surfaced roads back into dirt and stones.

~We have some new citizens in the town, the Amish, and "share the road" signs are in evidence. I, for one, like this reminder to slow down. Many drivers these days in their insulated, airbag surrounded chariots, seem to want to speed through their lives as if it were some sort of race.

Nelson Farms, on the corner of Rte. 20, is getting a facelift already, in the form of new landscaping. It's looking gorgeous. Let's not forget to stop in. My favorite is their cheddar cheese with garlic. Raindrop Farm, on Rte 20 East, by the Animal Hospital is another local place to shop for fresh veggies and jellies made without sugar and a nice variety of gifts and produce. And let's not forget Fay and Marge's farm stand on Lyon Road. Talk about fresh and from the ground to you…, this place is a treasure.

~On the third Wednesday of the month at noon, there is a luncheon at the Erieville Firehouse. Bring a dish to pass and your own table service. Four of these luncheons have been held so far. The food is varied and the conversation lively.

For more information you can call Carol 655-5858 or Celia 662-3276 or ask Kay at the store.

On July 14 "The ladies of the lake" held their annual brunch and gathering at the home of Sue Benedict. This was the 13th year that they have done this. The idea behind this event is to give neighbors a chance to meet. Some of the people are in the area for just a few months and others on and off during the summer. This year some uplanders were also invited. About 30 (women) and one guy, attended. The latter was Dr. Fred Davies, a retired pathologist. He spoke to us about his research into the medical conditions affecting the US population from the time of its founding. His specific focus was the US presidents and their personal physical challenges. Fascinating stuff.

~The Erieville Fire Department will have their chicken BBQ on August 6, at noon. Please support them by your attendance and also if you have any interesting items to donate for their auction, either new or antiquish, that would be great too. The auction is a new feature this year and should be fun.

2005 EFD BBQ

~Anybody out there a Japanese beetle collector? We grow grapes and they are a prime target for these ravenous little beasts. After trying several control methods (non poisonous) I have found that the best way to get these critters is by shaking them into one of those big aluminum roaster pans (one is reserved for the purpose). The bugs' defense mechanism is to roll off the leaves down to a lower level or the ground, so they readily drop right into the pan when you shake a bit of vine. Then you just jostle them to a corner of the pan, and put them into a can containing water with a little dish washing detergent in it. On my best hunt I filled two dog food cans. The dead bugs get discarded after 24 hours. Someone told me that each female can lay 50 eggs, so, if you get a thousand bugs, that is 50,000 fewer offspring that you have to worry about. Can poisonous sprays make such a claim?

The events agenda:

Red Raville (big band sound) at Rosies. 6:30 p.m. August 5, Saturday.

EFD BBQ - August 6, Sunday, at noon.

Erieville Methodist Church BBQ August 12, Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. until sold out. Volunteer helpers are welcomed. Fire roasted beef with the traditional great sauce, a local tradition. Stock up.

EMC Garage Sale - at the Davies on Route 20 will be on August 18 and 19. You may drop off good, useable items (no clothes) at the Davies between August 14 and 17. A part of their garage will be open for such donations. Please, be selective in your offerings. All proceeds go to the church in Erieville.

Local color

Chris Westcott with her lighthouse collection at the New Woodstock Library

Send us your ideas and events and stories. We live in an oasis here. Let's celebrate it.

Denise Earl 662-7621

Sonia Davies 655-2654