Wooden ornaments are once again available and will adorn the tree again this year. Red ornaments will depict a family name and will be $10 each. Yellow ornaments in memory of a loved one, for a veteran or military person currently serving our country and will be $10 each. Wooden stockings measuring 30 inches personalized with a business name will be available for $25. All ornaments and stockings purchased last year will be displayed on the tree again this year at no charge. Anyone wishing to purchase ornaments or stockings may contact Helen Wirt Kennedy at 647-8332 or 578-0865. Stay tuned to this column for weekly updates on this event.     

Congratulations to the following students who received degrees from Plattsburgh State University at the commencement ceremony this spring. Courtney Bombard of AuSable Forks, bachelor’s degree in management, Krystal Lamoureux of AuSable Forks, bachelor’s degree in human development and family relations, Katie McCallister, of AuSable Forks, bachelor’s degree in in psychology, Diana Osborne of AuSable Forks, bachelor’s degree in TV-video/broadcast journalism and Rachel Reynolds of Jay, bachelor’s degree in sociology.     

The Rotary Club of the AuSable Valley had a very special project which was completed this week-end. They mailed out 14 boxes of items collected for members of our military. Students from Holy Name School, the AuSable Forks Elementary School, Rotary members and local individuals all participated in this project. The packages were mailed to the soldiers from our area serving in Afganistan. They were mailed at this time so they will arrive for Christmas. Monetary donations were also received to assist with the postage. Thanks to everyone who donated to this very worthy project.   

The AuSable Forks Free Library will host a special Thanksgiving Storytime on Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m. There will be stories, crafts and a special Thanksgiving treat. This event is recommended for ages 3 and up. Younger siblings are welcome with parental supervision. Call 647-5596 for more information.     

The 4th annual Craft/Gift Fair will be hosted by the AVCS junior class. There will be a wide selection of items perfect for Christmas gift giving available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be baked good and raffles and a special appearance by Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for holiday pictures and cards. Admission is $1 each and ages 12 and under will be admitted free. 

Zumba classes are being held at the Town of Jay Community Center gym on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. under the direction of Christina Brown. Stop by for an hour of great fun and exercise.     

Birthdays this week

Nov. 15: Colin Miller was our “birthday boy”  

Nov. 16: Jordan and Jade Bola celebrated   

Nov. 17: Aaron Gravelle and Kylie Mashtare celebrated  

Nov. 18: Benjamin Savage celebrated  

Nov. 19: Steve David celebrated  

Nov. 20: No birthdays  

Nov. 21: Leslie Mitchell and Amanda Deyoe get cake and candles today   

Happy anniversary wishes this week: Nov. 15, Dianne and David Drake celebrated; Nov. 16, Colin and Sharon Miller celebrated; Nov. 18, Tim and Denise Carte celebrated; Nov. 20, Steph and Mike Snow celebrate    

Special thoughts and prayers for dearly departed members of our community: Nov. 17, Bert Pray (1987); Nov. 21, Mary Wallace    

The Riverside Lanes 34th annual Bowling Tournament completed the third week of competition with the following results:  Men’s division: North Bowl Pro Shop, 3,357, Nick Bouyea, Roger Seymour, Bob Trombley, Jim Varno and John Munson  held their first place status; Women’s division: Lisa’s Crew, 2,939, Doris Martino, Elie West, Lisa Finnegan, Keena Banker and Maria Martino took first place as of this date. 

Congratulations to PK Coolidge bowling with Conroy/Conroy who bowled a 300 game, Travis Bushey bowling with Steele 1 bowled a 299, Jim Varno bowling with Twinkles bowled a 297 and Mark Lacey bowling with Snap On Snap Off bowled a 707 series.The tournament will end next week-end and all winners will be announced in my next column. There are still some slots left on all shifts. Call 647-9905 to reserve a lane.     

The Town of Jay and Town of Black Brook food shelves are both in need of donations. This is a busy time of the year and both township’s welcome all donations. Town of Jay is accepting non-perishable items of food and any personal hygiene items, cleaning and paper products. They do not have a freezer so no frozen items can be accepted. Drop items off Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the town offices Call 647-2201 for more information. Town of Black Brook accepts all of the above items and any frozen food including meat, veggie, juices etc.as they do have freezer space. They accept donations Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the town offices. For more information, call 647-5411 ext. 23.     

On Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. a group of Fern Lake residents are holding a holiday sale and will have original art, photography, jewelry and Tupperware. The sale is being held at 407 Fern Lake Road.     

Special thoughts and prayers for our area ill residents

Mitch Terry home and recuperating from recent surgery   Jeff Brown, Margaret Trumbull, Jean Pulsifer, Janet Bombard, Jim Bombard, Michaela Bushey, Bobbi Vincent, Amy Drake, Geno Potter, Doris Gordon, Rick Nolan, Christopher Goheens, Debbie Spooner, Luke Randy Garcia, and his big brother Carson, Peggy Sue Hart, Jari Snow-Thwaits, Francis Gero, Althea Miller, Frank Lovely, Joan Pray, Lynda Denton, Walt Dubay, Gabby Lincoln, Bob Rondeau, John Santor, Karen Baker, Cindy Thomas, Linda Gilbert, Ann Aubin, Pauline Dumas, Bev Devost, Marvin Hildreth, Evie Dockum, Allison Crahan, Carol (Bombard) Quigley, Laura (Joyal) Razzano, Rikki Kane, Joe Dubay Jr., Walt Fournier Sr., Martha Frenia, Terry Nollette, Colleen Otis-Whisher, Charlie Cornick and anyone I may have forgotten.     

Till next time have a great week and “happy reading.”