Cheshire Chatter

November / December 2020

Cheshire Council on Aging P.O. Box 507, Cheshire, MA 01225

Carole’s Thought’s

The foliage this year has been beautiful. When the sun shines on the different colors, it truly feels like someone is painting brilliant colors across our gorgeous Berkshires landscapes.

Although we are all craving for a little bit of normalcy, the Cheshire Council on Aging is operating in a different kind of normalcy. Lunches continue to be helpful to 18-23 seniors a day. Marie and Don offer hot meals received from Berkshire Elder Services with a few minutes of chatting. Old school chums have reconnected, new friendships made, and many laughs are shared each day. The monthly lunch calendar can be seen on the COA Facebook page with reservations required. Donations of $2.00 are appreciated.

When the center reopens, you will be pleased to see new tables and chairs in the main room. Six round tables have been purchased in order to enhance ease of conversation between diners. The stage curtains are being repaired by our professional quilter/sewer, Betty King.

The front offices have been repainted, decorated, and organized. One office will be designated specifically for individuals seeking virtual medical connections. A camera will be connected for professional viewing and consultations. Blood pressure cups, an oximeter, temperatures will be taken with a forehead device for accuracy and tracking will be in place. General information regarding notices regarding the Corona-19 Virus will also be available. Thanks to Margaret, an avid reader, we have been fortunate to offer her donated books in our mini outdoor library. To date we have given away more than 25 books.

Ten, 10-pound boxes of meat have been distributed to seniors received from Berkshire Elder Services. Thank you, Carol F.

Preparing the van for scheduling rides is in process. As soon as we have drivers who have met the criteria for BRTA van drivers, we hope to be up and running. Dependent on the Pandemic numbers decisions will be made accordingly if only medical rides will be available.

In closing, the holiday season will soon be upon us. Children love the excitement of the season. For some, the holidays are difficult times due to memories, thoughts about those that have passed on, being isolated, and challenging winter weather. May this be the year we all work towards being kind to others, work at making new traditions, and always being grateful for what is. We are a part of societal changes – let’s be positive and motivated to practice good health and safety practices.

Cheshire is a true community. We care about our neighbors and want everyone to be comforted with a phone call, a visit, or a plate of cookies.

Please remember that the Cheshire Pantry offers emergency food. Just call Carole at 743-9719.

This too shall pass. Tomorrow is another day. Keep smiling.

Carole

An Inventory of My Mother’s Pockets

Her apron hangs on the kitchen door, Slack as a snake skin emptied of its occupant.

She is gone. Gone to the home that isn’t a home. The memory morgue.

The apron pocket gapes, a hungry mouth.

In it I find:

3 pills she forgot to take, Cookie crumbs, A comb entangled with grey gossamer strands, A brown newspaper clipping of my dad’s obituary, A broken safety pin that failed it’s mission, Her house key that opens the door She will never enter again.

I fold the apron carefully and place it In the cardboard box marked Save. An Original poem by retired Williamstown resident Rose Oliver

A HIGH-FLYING LIFE

Ed “Moose” Skowron

When Ed “Moose” Skowron was a boy growing up in Cheshire, it was “perfect” he says. There was freedom to roam, to ride your bike to different neighborhoods, play on landmarks now gone - the two huge World War I cannons in front of the Cheshire school, the slag piles from the closed ironworks on furnace hill or the open foundation of the old Camel Restaurant on North Street. Ed first lived in a house just over the river in Scrabbletown, owned by Leo Willette, which was the former office for the Furnace Hill Ironworks. His family later moved to a small house across from the Baptist Church and a stone’s throw away from the home of his best friend Wilbur Chase on the corner of Wells Park. Ed went through Cheshire school and then to Adams High School on Liberty Street in Adams, graduating with the class of 1953, the last class to do so. High school students moved on to the new Adams Memorial High School on Columbia Street in Adams the following year. When Ed was a fourth grader, or thereabouts, at Cheshire School he recalls hearing the sound of an airplane landing close by in the field belonging to the Martin family. A relative of the Martins, a doctor would fly in for a week or so to visit and use the field as a landing strip. Ed bounded out of school as soon as possible and ran to see that plane, sitting under the wing for hours, dreaming of flight. His first ride in a plane was at age 4 when his father took him to North Adams and they flew in an old double wing barnstormer with an open cockpit. Ed is quite sure he remembers his father holding him out to see the sights below as they flew over North Adams. During high school Ed worked at Lamb’s Garage, where he acquired his nickname “Moose” after the famous Yankee first baseman Bill ”Moose” Skowron. Ed wasn’t so much of a Yankees fan as his employers were, but the name stuck. Earning $.50 an hour- making $15 a week total at Lamb’s, Ed learned that you could go to the airport in North Adams and for $11.50, an hour’s worth of flying time with an instructor could be arranged. So, his flying career began. After high school Ed joined the Air Force and, as the situation in Vietnam escalated, he soon jumped at the chance to go to flight training school and began his storied career as a highly decorated Air Force pilot. Being shot down on his last mission and dangerous rescue in the Bay of Tonkin makes a gripping story in his Chapter 16 entry for the book “Friday Pilots “. His successful post military career as a Lear test pilot for jet aircraft followed until retirement. A side job taking aerial photographs professionally has also been his business for many years. Ed‘s is remembered, during the 1950s, by some Cheshire residents for his flying prowess as he flew jets he was testing out of Westover Air Force Base at steeple top level to say “Hi” to his parents and friends in the Baptist Church neighborhood, tipping his wings side to side so that everyone knew it was Ed . Once, flying over at nearly treetop level, his sister was so startled that she dropped the dishes she was washing in the family’s kitchen. After the military Ed and his wife Margery Chase, his high school sweetheart, lived in Tucson, Arizona and raised their family. He still resides there and visits Cheshire every summer to stay at his home on Cheshire Lake. Now after 52 years of flying Ed doesn’t pilot anymore. But he continues his photography in his retirement and has belonged to a group called the Friday Pilots who gather regularly at a Tucson restaurant to meet with men who share the love of flying and whose biographies include military, commercial experience and even space flight. A book “Friday Pilots” was compiled about the members of the group, each chapter written by one of the pilots. In his chapter Ed recounts his flying career exploits and harrowing combat experience, and movingly documents his early years growing up in Cheshire. Names and places are mentioned that should evoke nostalgic memories of those who can recall many of them from the 40s and 50s. Ed has served his country and his hometown proud. *Note: A copy of the book “Friday Pilots” is available at the Council On Aging office at the Community Center. Please contact Carol if you’re interested in borrowing it.

The neighborhood kids at Ed Skowron’s 9th birthday party on 06-09-1943

Back Row: Wilbur Chase, Bob Newton, Solomon Cole, Jr., Dave Negus, Fred Gale, Front Row: Kay Skowron, Richard Negus, Bob Dorgan, Ed Skowron, Nancy Cole.

A visit to Avignon is a remembrance of a trip to France made by an elderly Cheshire resident many years ago. She very kindly allowed us to reprint her story here.

AVIGNON

A Monday in Mid-September

The train from Les Arc to Avignon arrived late in the morning. My hotel was a charming, small, family-owned establishment on a quiet side street off of the busy main thoroughfare. I spent the afternoon exploring. In the main square, Place de l'Horloge (Bell Tower Square), there was a wonderful, two-story carousel. Decided to leave a climb to the ramparts of the Palace of the Popes until the next day. When I returned to the hotel in the late afternoon, I asked the owner to recommend a restaurant nearby where they served local cuisine. He gave me directions to a bistro he said was owned by a couple and specialized in local dishes. He suggested that I not go until about 7:30. Although already hungry, I managed to wait until 7:20. As I opened the door, a man who had been reading a newspaper, rose, smiled and said "Seul?” I answered “Oui.” I was about to tell him that his place had been recommended by Monsieur --- when a door in the back opened and a woman came rushing out yelling, “Nous devons fermer. Une mort dans la famille! Mort dans la famille.” A death in the family? I think her husband was as startled as I was. She kept repeating “mort dans la famille” as she ushered me to the door. Before I knew what was happening, I was on the street. I slowly realized what had just happened. The place was empty, and Madame did not want to spend the next hour cooking for ONE customer. Apparently, a death in the family is considered a legal reason to refuse to serve someone. I should have found it amusing, but I was famished. Well, I decided I would forego local fare and walk back to the neon-lighted rue de la Republique and eat at the very first place I could find. I thought I remembered a McDonalds. As I was walking back I passed a restaurant. It was a white concrete building painted with tromp d'oeil stones. I entered. This place was also empty so I was prepared for another “death in the family” or at least a serious illness. A woman greeted me cordially and assured me that they would be happy to serve me. She explained that the city had been teeming over the weekend – one of their many festivals – but was now very quiet. She seated me at a large round corner table, brought a menu, a complimentary serving of tapinade, and said that if I wanted the pear tart for dessert I should order it then. It was called Les Trois Clefs (The Three Keys – symbol of Avignon –) and, I later learned, one of Avignon's top eateries. I had a truly delicious meal, a perfect red wine, and sublime chocolate mousse topped with slivers of candied orange peel.

Moral: Some grey clouds do have a silver, or chocolate, lining.

The Cheshire Veteran's honor roll pictured is located on the lawn in front of the town hall

An Updated History of Cheshire Farms

Cheshire native farmer Everett L.“Gus” Martin has spent the last five years compiling a book that presents the agricultural history of Cheshire as noted in the 1885 History of Cheshire by Ellen Raynor and Emma Petitclerc. With the help of the Cheshire Historical Commission, Gus has cataloged most of the farms listed in the 1885 history with photos, old and new, and including artistic renderings by Cheshire artist Len Stomsky. The attractive hard bound book is available for $25.00 directly from Gus, at [email protected]. The Elmartin Farm on Windsor Road now being managed by his 2 sons Kim and Shawn and their families, has existed for eight generations in the Martin family. Gus has also been a town assessor for 60 years. His grandfather was on the board in 1915 until his death in 1944. Gus’ father then assumed the job until his death in 1959 and then Gus succeeded him. His knowledge and assessor skills were very helpful in doing the research for this book. On his eightieth birthday Gus received a copy of Berkshire Barns and noted that the book contained only 2 pictures of Cheshire barns and he determined to produce a more comprehensive record. And so he has.

Senior / Community Center

The Café at 119 School Street, Cheshire - Hot Lunch for Seniors - The Center is offering grab and go lunches provided by Elder Services on Monday through Friday from 10:30-noon. When driving through, there is usually time to have a quick chat to check in on how everyone is doing. To reserve your meal, call 743-9719 at least 24 hours in advance. Suggested Meal Donation of $2.00 for those 60 and over. Cheshire Pantry In collaboration with the Cheshire Fire Department- The Pantry is located at the Cheshire Community / Senior Center and is open to Cheshire residents of any age on the first Saturday of the month from 11am to noon. Emergency food is also available by calling the Center at 743-9719. Monetary donations and nonperishable food, toiletries and paper goods may be left at the Center any Monday through Thursday 9 till 2 PM. I Love Cheshire t shirts with the Food Pantry logo are being sold as a fund raiser. When notified of a need, a hearty food bag is delivered. This is available by calling 413-743-9719. If emergency assist is needed call 413-329-2212. Delivery is available for those isolated or without transportation. The pantry is always held on the first Saturday of the month at the center from 11 AM to noon. Brown Bag – Free paper bag of food available on November 23st and December 21ft between 1 and 2 pm. Contact Carole to sign up. Foot Clinic - The Foot Clinic returns on the 19th of November. Sorry, no walk-ins - appointments only. Held inside the Center. Call Carole @ 413-743-9719 to schedule an appointment and for protocol. There is a fee for this clinic. Exercise - Held outside weather permitting on the concrete pad on the south side of the building. $4.00 per session on Monday and Wednesday, 9 to 10 am try it out for free on Fridays. Need more information call Carole at 413-743-9719 Coffee Club Thursdays, Quilting, the Cheshire Senior Club, the, Blood Pressure Readings, and the Community Book Club are on hold.

Community Notes

Cheshire Community Association / AT Committee - Report on the initial year of the new Father Tom Campground site - Cheshire’s Gift to Appalachian Trail Hikers - Father Tom CampsiteIn late June, the Father Tom Campsite for A.T. hikers opened for business! Hikers had already found the site, so we had the port a potty delivered. Over the summer our dedicated volunteers and Town of Cheshire personnel installed several amenities. They include: electricity to charge devices, water, 4 hammock poles, port a potty, picnic table, bear box, and 2 bikes with helmets stored in a newly built bike shed. Hikers camped there almost every day during the summer and continue to camp there every few days during early fall. Many wonderful comments were posted on the “Guthook App” (and the sign in notebook at the site) about their stay. Here is one comment from “Mudcrack” (their trail name): “This is such a great campsite. Well-loved and maintained by local trail angels who go out of their way to welcome hikers. Very glad to have stopped here and many thanks to the kind folks of Cheshire who make this site exist.” Mudcrack 9/18/20. Because of COVID-19 the number of hikers was less than half of the usual number that come through each year. It will officially be closed at the end of October. Our group of 6 campsite stewards were each assigned a day or days to check in at the site, welcome any hikers, sanitize the port a potty and water spigot handle for COVID safety precautions. Big thanks to Karen Daigle, Diane Talavera, Jenny Gadbois, Peter Traub, Mark Bissaillon & Eileen Quinn. Next year we will post a history display of Father Tom on the kiosk and hopefully have an in person celebration and ribbon cutting on Friday evening June 25th, so save the date!

Town of Cheshire - Town Hall remains closed to the public at this time. Business for offices at Town Hall, please call 743-1690. The "drop box" may be used for payments. November: Special Election Debt Exclusion, Saturday, November 21, Polls open 9:00 am to 3:00 pm., 119 School Street, Community/Senior Center. If a Cheshire Voter sent in a Early Voting by Mail postcard and checked "all elections this year", they will be receiving a ballot in the mail. To return the ballot is the same process as for the November 3rd Election, either mail through the Post Office or use the "drop box" at the Church Street entrance to Town Hall. December The Annual Town Census will be mailed out in January. The Town will be decorated for the holidays, just don’t believe we will be able to do any formal tree lighting and hayride. Cheshire Library - The Library remains closed to the public. The Library is distributing Inter-library Loans usually on Mondays. If the patron uses the CWMARS catalog to place a book on hold, it will be delivered to Cheshire. We then call you and give you a time for pick up. Patrons may also call 743-4748 and leave a request for book from the Cheshire Library holdings by title and author. Cheshire Ladies’ Reading Club -. Anyone wishing to join us for an online meeting please call Pat at 743- 2177 for information. Become a Friend of the Cheshire COA

The Friends of the Cheshire Council on Aging provide financial and other support serving the needs of the senior population of Cheshire. By becoming a "Friend" and paying a ten-dollar annual membership fee, you will be supporting the activities of our seniors. Any support which you can provide would be most appreciated! Please join today and send your donation check to: Ed St. John, 4 Edmunds Street Unit N101, Adams, MA 01220.

Resources and Contacts

COA Board Members Program Coordinator Gene Gebarowski, Chair 413-743-2177 Carole Hilderbrand 413-743-9719 or 413-329- 2212 Robert Balawender 413-743-3356 Van John Bianchi 413-743-5723 413-446-2559 Carol Francesconi 413-743-5028 Car, Adams COA Mal Gwozdz 413-743-9356 Medical Appointments 413-743-8333 Barbara Proper 413-743-4945 Friends of Cheshire COA Peter Traub 413-743-3496 Ed and Pam St. John [email protected]

Thank you to our advertisers. Please let them know you appreciate their support of the Cheshire Council on Aging when you patronize their establishment.

The Cheshire Chatter is published in part with funding from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs

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