A number of years ago, I was watching an action movie when the tough guy hero stood nose to nose with a much younger man and shouted, “Do you know what it feels like to be eighty years old?” In a very timid voice, and after a short thoughtful pause, the younger man responded, “No. I have no idea what it feels like to be eighty!” At that the hero bellowed to the younger man, “Yes you do! It does not feel any different than you feel now at 25.”

The rest of the movie is a blank to me. I do not remember the title, plot or characters, but I have had that line burned into my memory. Most likely it made such an impression because the question and the answer hit home so hard. Ask yourself the same question even if you are not 80 years old. Just pick a date or age and try to remember how you felt years before. Chances are that you will not feel any different today than in the past.

Oh, by the way, I am Jim, Rosemary’s husband. I just celebrated one of those special birthdays that remind us of many things from the past so, because I know the Altamont correspondent so well, I prevailed upon her to let me write the introduction to the column this week. She graciously acquiesced.

In order to be sure we are all on the same page, I looked up the definition of birthday. As usual I received more information than I needed, but here is what seemed to be a good candidate to describe what birthday means. “A birthday is an occasion when a person or institution celebrates the anniversary of their birth. Birthdays are celebrated in numerous cultures, often with a gift, party, or rite of passage.”

Rosemary is a wonderful woman, always ready to help others and willing to do almost anything to make people happy. She decided that my birthday could not just pass with a card, a hug, and a piece of strawberry shortcake. She wanted to bring many people from our past back for a super celebration. Since she has been one of the leading influences for our three daughters, they readily agreed to conspire and throw a wonderful surprise birthday party for me.

Fortunately, for them I am not a curious type when it comes to phone calls and conversations in another room. They were able to do all of their planning and throughout all of it I was totally without a clue. All three of our daughters call our house almost every day so they could talk, and plan, without fear of giving anything away.

In our family a birthday is a big deal. We often celebrate for several days depending upon what is going on at a particular time. When the girls were younger we had parties at the village pool, Chuck-e-Cheese, and we even had one in the bleachers at Tawasentha Park. That meal consisted of tube steaks and sparkling Sprite. Yum.

But let us get back to my special celebration. Rosemary, Christa, Liz, and Cindy all planned and carried out a spectacular surprise birthday party for me. They decided to keep it small, but at the same time to invite people who represented most of our life in Altamont.

Cindy has had several specialty cakes made by her friend, Melissa King McGyln who decorates the cake to reflect special memories from a person’s past. My birthday cake was three layers with each layer a different flavor: rum cake on top, Boston cream cake in the middle, and chocolate cake on the bottom. The decorations included an Indian headdress for out time in the YMCA Indian Guides Program; 4-H Symbol; Air Force Logo; NYCOM (New York Conference of Mayors) logo; Amy’s Hideaway sign to represent our time camping along with me in a rowboat catching a fish;  a station wagon representing the vehicle that carried our family and dozens of kids all around the area; and a miniature of Mountain Miniatures for the business we owned and operated in Altamont.

On the top of the cake was the number 80 and a single candle. They may have been afraid of a fire if they lit all of the candles necessary.

The best part of the party was being able to visit with my family and friends we have made throughout the years. They opted to keep the list small in order to keep the party in a home setting rather than in a big hall. I agree. That was a wise choice and gave me time to spend with everyone who was there.

It was a wonderful surprise. The food was great. Visiting with friends and family was special and the strawberry shortcake I had was scrumptious. I love you, Rosemary, Christa, Rachael, Liz, Sherri, Cindy, and Matt. I felt just like a kid again. If someone asks you how it feels to be 80 say yes, you do. It does not feel any different than whatever age you are now. The only difference is that you are, hopefully, wiser.

GLD pool open

The town of Guilderland pool at Tawasentha Park is officially open for Guilderland residents enjoyment. The pool will be open for public swim Monday through Friday noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adult lap swim is Monday through Thursday 11 to11:30 a.m.

 Saturday and Sunday hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for public swim.

Guilderland resident's family swim pass for the season is $100.  An individual pass is $60. Daily fees are  $3 for an adult and senior citizens over age 60 are free.

Check with the pool office at 456-446 regarding questions about the bathrooms and changing rooms destroyed by fire.

Archives and museum

Volunteers are needed to assist in the village of Altamont archives and museum. Persons interested in learning how you can help are asked to contact Keith Lee at [email protected].

Anniversary

Happy-anniversary wishes are extended to Donna and Jim Richmond celebrating Today, July 16.

94th birthday

Special Birthday wishes are extended to Anne Vlahos of Western Avenue/Township Road who celebrated her 94th birthday on July 10.