Years ago, when we first moved into the village of Altamont, my husband, Jim, was concerned about our moving from a large city to a small village. My evenings and days off in Hartford were spent with friends, the Hartford Ballet Company, and the Junior Woman’s Club. Jim was concerned because we were new to New York and especially new to Altamont, that there would not be enough to challenge me in my free time.

Little did we know what a wonderful place Altamont was and how welcoming the people in and around the village are to newcomers. We found a home to rent on Sand St., the first day we started looking. About two months later, we were able to buy a home and have been happy residents ever since then.

There are many things about a community that you can only find out by residing there, and by getting involved in the community’s activities. We went to church at St. Lucy’s and one Sunday, Tony Capuano  said, “If you want to meet people come on out to the couples club at their next meeting.” He was right. We went to the next meeting and met many of the church folks, business people, politicians, educators, farmers, and other workers from the area.

As time went on, we discovered that there was a great moral character lying within the residents here. All three churches were not only busy on Sunday,  but their outreach programs served the area well.

As our family expanded, we became involved with school activities and I was able to put together a dance and gymnastic program that gave me an outlet and gave children in Altamont and Berne area additional children’s activities.

Jim spent some of his free time in local politics, and together we worked with the 4-H, Girl Scouts, schools, Altamont Fair, and church youth programs.

All of this gives a short description of our entry into the village and our introduction to some of its people and activities. However, we are just getting to the main topic of this article. It has to do with the social makeup and courage of the Altamont residents.

It did not take long to find out that people here are very active in many outreach areas. The Altamont Community Traditions is a perfect example. They are constantly looking for new ways to help the village improve its appearance, show off its history, and have fun working as volunteers for Altamont.

Other people are involved in fund-raising for AIDS, cancer awareness, bloodmobiles, food bank collections, drug and alcohol prevention programs, youth support groups, fraternal associations, and their charities and the list goes on. All of these programs show the heart, feeling, and moral character of our residents as well as concerns for other people who need some form of support.

When our daughter, Cindy, was old enough, she worked at Cobb Memorial taking care of babies with Downs Syndrome. Cindy loved the job because she has a great heart for helping people who need more care than others. Today, she is the manager of a group home for the Center for Disability Services.

We found out early in our association with the village that there were many residents who had the same humanitarian spirit that Cindy has. When the nuns moved out of their convent on Main St., a group of interested residents started discussions with the Department of Mental Health about the possibility of opening a group home in the nuns’ former location. After months of planning and hard work Helderberg House opened. It was one of the first in the state and paved the way for two more homes over the years in Altamont.

As an indication of the type of people who live in Altamont, there was a hearing to determine the feasibility of bringing a second group home into our village. Notices were sent out through the churches, the village office, the newspaper, and any medium to ensure people were aware of the hearing. At the appointed time there were representatives from the Department of Health, Helderberg House, the village board and others interested in placing a second house in Altamont. Because of very loud, contentious hearings in other locations everyone was prepared for the worst type of reception. At the appointed hour the hearing was called to order, and the moderator found that there was not one single person in the room who was opposed to the new group home or even had a question about one.

This month is a good time to talk about Altamont and our group homes because October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Residents of group homes often have Downs Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, and other physical or mental issues that have caused them to be the target of bullying. Altamont has been a leader in preventing bullying through its events, activities, and outreach and education programs.

We have seen residents from the group homes at church services, dances, covered dish suppers, parades, in the park, swimming, and other activities where you would expect any local resident to attend. They have not been excluded because they may sound or appear different. I have not seen any examples of exclusion or bullying during my visits to village activities. No pointing, snickering with a hand covering the mouth, no shouting, jeers, or other action that would make someone feel uncomfortable.

Many readers probably remember Bob Burns who would ride the bus to work and announce to all of the riders that there would be a dance, or covered dish supper etc. When the event came around he was one of the first to arrive and would dance his feet off. I am sure there are many who agree that they wish they had the stamina and strong heart that he had.

Altamont is different from other communities. We have accepted other people into our community who are different in many ways and might not be accepted elsewhere. Some have experienced bullying elsewhere but not in Altamont.

What does the word bully mean to you? For some people it's the biggest guy in the neighborhood who's always trying to beat them up or take their things. Sometimes bully means a whole group of kids, ganging up on someone. No matter what situation or form it comes in, bullying can make you feel depressed, hurt, and alone. It can keep you from enjoying the activities and places that are part of your life.

Bullying does happen everywhere, probably even in Altamont or Paris, France. It happens all the time, and it's happened since forever. Because it's so common, many adults think bullying is just a normal part of growing up. You've probably heard parents or teachers say things like: "Don't let it get to you" or "You just have to be tougher."

But, why should something that can make a person so miserable have to be part of growing up? The answer is, it doesn't. Every one of us has the right to feel safe in our lives and good about ourselves.

Throughout history, most humans have tended to stay put or settle and live in the place where they were born. Jim had a young man working for him in Schenectady who had never been east of the Hudson River. As a matter of fact, he had not ever traveled more than 25 miles from home.

There are always people who move from place to place, usually in search of a new start or better life. Early hunters walked their families over mountain ranges to follow animal herds, ancient sailors built boats to bring their tribes to faraway islands, and farmers in overcrowded lands went looking for open space and fertile soil on the other side of the globe.

The modern world is a little different but people still move from one country to another to follow their hopes and dreams. Most people who live in the United States are not completely Native American. Most likely you or someone in your family is (or was) an immigrant.

Immigration has always been a large part of America's national identity. Family members tell stories like, "My great grandparents emigrated to the U.S. from Poland in 1916. Polish was all they spoke, so my grandmother and grandfather knew Polish. I think it's really cool. I'm proud of where I come from!” Or, "I emigrated here from China when I was two." "I couldn't speak English until I was seen. So I've only been speaking English for five years!" Another story, "My parents are immigrants and I'm proud of them for being brave and hard workers. I hope all immigrants who are having a hard time find work and help as well as hope."

 Justifications and rationalizations for bullying behavior sometimes include differences of social class, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, appearance, behavior, body language, personality, reputation, lineage, strength, size, or ability. A bullying culture can develop in any school, family, the workplace, home, and neighborhoods. Wherever it appears, it is wrong.

We can all say thank you Altamont for being such a warm and accepting community. Let us help spread this culture of love, morality, and acceptance for all that is different. Dr. Seuss and the Muppets have shown that being different can be a lot of fun. If we hang around with others who understand the blessings of difference we will make our lives happier and add to the culture of love that exists in Altamont.

Chicken ‘n biscuit dinner

The Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW invite the public to enjoy their annual chicken 'n biscuit dinner on Saturday, Oct. 25.  Servings will be from 4 to 7 p.m.

 The menu will include chicken 'n biscuits, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, veggies, coffee, tea and a variety of pies for dessert. Tickets are $10.  Tickets are available at the VFW Post on Mill St. or by calling Darlene Stanton at 470-7310.  

Roast beef dinner

Come join your neighbors and friends at the Altamont Masonic Hall on Maple Ave. to enjoy a roast beef dinner on Saturday, Nov. 1.  Servings will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The meal will include roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable, rolls and butter, coffee, tea and milk and a delicious dessert. Tickets are $12 for adults; $11 for senior citizens; $6 for children ages five to 12; and children under age 5 are free. Take out service will be available. This is an annual event not to be missed.

Volunteers needed

The Learning Center at the Farnsworth Middle School are looking for a few volunteers

to work flexible hours in the library. If interested, contact Mary Jeanne Dicker at 456-6010,

ext. 3087 or e-mail her @ dickermj@guilderladschools.net  

Smoke alarm

This past Thursday the smoke alarm system at the Farnsworth Middle School went off.  The assumed cause was the popcorn machine that was being used to make popcorn for the mixer event that evening.  Students and staff were evacuated and soon allowed back into the school once the emergency vehicles reset the alarms.  The fall mixer was held as scheduled. 

High school seniors

Seniors at the Guilderland High School are reminded that the deadline for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program is Nov. 4. Seniors who have been volunteers in their community and have made a meaningful contribution are eligible to participate in this program. One top senior from GHS will be chosen to participate in the state level. The winner of the New York State contest will represent the state in the nationals.

Students must complete the on-line application at spirit.prudential.com and submit the application to Mr. Lutsic by Nov. 4. 

The winner at the state level will represent New York State in Washington, D.C.

Anniversaries

Happy-anniversary wishes are extended to Kathy and Bill Johnson and to Jackie and Joe Perry who will celebrate their respective anniversaries on Oct. 24.

Birthdays

Happy-birthday wishes are extended to:

— Heather Fredrickson, Keith Smith, and Cameron Alexis Zounes on Oct. 24;

— Walter Best and Lisa Fidler Rittner on Oct. 25; 

— Christopher Buckey, Susie Felgentreff, Steven Kowalski, Elizabeth Madden, Diane

        Pruskowski, and Mary Snyder on Oct. 26;

— Mike Keogh, Heath Linendoll, and Billy Pentak on Oct. 27;

— Ron Ginsburg, Rob Meyers, and Susan C. Rosa on Oct. 28;

— Cheryl Kline and Emmy Kappel On Oct. 29; and

— Emilie Keach Baker on Oct. 30