It has been 50 years since the family and friends said good-bye to LCPL William Jay Partington. William was the son of the late George and Florence Partington. He is survived by his brothers, Chuck and Bruce Partington and his sisters, Diane and Robin.
Joe Freeborn a Vietnam combat veteran and friend of William helped make the March 1 “Day of Remembrance” happen, along with Al Lanzetta, Town of Marlborough Supervisor, The Vieby-Sutton Post 124 of the American Legion, Ed Pross, Charlie Alonge and Joe Dall Vechia, all personal friends of William. They all agreed it was time to remember our friend and to tell his story to those who never knew him.
William was a lifelong Marlboro resident. He graduated high school in 1967 where he was a track and cross- country star. He enlisted in the US Marine Corp in 1969. By the fall of 1969 he was assigned to the 1st Engineering Battalion, 1st Marine Division. In South Vietnam he worked as a heavy equipment operator, building roads and infrastructure in support of the US war effort. There, on that dreadful day in early March 1970, his unit was attacked by mortars and rockets.
William lost his life that day while sweeping a road for land mines in the Quang Nam Province of South Vietnam. The road was needed for re supply and to move US troops in that area. Monday, March 2, 2020 was proclaimed as his Day of Remembrance by Town Supervisor Al Lanzetta. Al grew up with William and was glad to issue this Proclamation.
The event was held in the Marlboro Elementary School gymnasium, and over 200 people attended. There were veterans as well as Representative from the American Legion, Town of Marlborough and Ulster County officials, members of Rolling Thunder, an active veterans support group, they brought two Gold Star mothers with them. The US Marine Color Guards honored William by presenting colors for the event. Members of the Marlborough and Milton Hose Companies, and many friends and grateful citizens. William’s family was there to see how this tight knit community still remembers and has not forgotten William’s ultimate sacrifice to our country. A fitting and permanent memorial was placed in the American Legion hall, honoring William and Capt. Robert George Bull II (US Air Force) who lost his life in Vietnam in 1968..

According to Joe Freeborn, he sees this event as very important. Being a combat soldier himself, and knowing how he felt, he writes the following for his fiend William “Boo” Partington: Today is my Day of Remembrance, my hometown, Marlborough, NY proclaimed that my service to my country and my death on March 2, 1970 will be remembered TODAY. What I find amazing is that after 50 years, my family, friends and even people who never knew me, thought enough about my sacrifice to gather in large numbers yesterday afternoon. They laughed, they cried and they remembered me one more time. I love them for that! Do you know how important it is that we are not forgotten? I may be out of your sight, but I am NOT forgotten, I know that now.

Sara Hull Hallock Free Library
As the schedule is rapidly changing, please call ahead or check their website when making plans to attend any upcoming events.

The Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library presents the Sankofa African Drum and Dance Ensemble at the Milton Train Station. This traditional African drum and dance ensemble, led by Maxwell Kofi Donkor, is named “Sankofa,” which in the Twi language of Kofi’s native Asante Kingdom in Ghana means “going back to the roots.” The performance includes explanations of the cultural context and historic significance of West African drumming and dancing and their roles in every part of life – from celebration to communication, to healing (both of the individual and community).

The interactive event involves the audience in a call and response, “the Ghanaian way,” with stories from Kofi’s Native tribe, the Asantes. Kofi is a master drummer, who learned how to drum from his grandfather. An Asante prince, Kofi was born and raised in a family of ten on the West Coast of Ghana. This performance made possible through Arts MidHudson. Reservations are required; call the Milton Library at 845-795-2200. Sunday, March 29 at 2 p.m.
The Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library hosts a presentation by author and veteran hiker Lauralee Bliss: “Mountains, Madness, and Miracles - 4,000 Miles of Appalachian Trail Adventure.” All are invited on Friday afternoon, April 3, from 3:30 to 5:00 to this very special session of the Milton Library’s Tea, Talks and Workshops series. Come hear about the beauty, scenery, fellowship and fun of hiking from Lauralee, who has accomplished the famous Appalachian Trail not once but twice, and in each direction.
Lauralee Bliss – trail name “Blissful” – shares 4,000 miles of the trail in stories and pictures from her hikes. Her presentation inspires reaching for your hiking dream, whatever it may be. A book signing and refreshments follow the presentation.

Marlboro School District Acknowledgments & Events
Congratulations to Marlboro High School senior Erin Lofaro, who was named the Basketball Coaches Association of New York’s Section IX Player of the Year!

Our talented young artists are at it again! Stop by the Marlboro Central School District Office in Milton to view a new sampling of student artwork on display in the hallway. Can’t make it in person? Check out an online gallery of all the pieces here: marlboroschools.org.

Happy Birthday to: Joseph Canosa, Trevor Eichler, Barbara Domenek, Carmela Nelson, Rebecca Rhodes, Josie Marchica, Lena Toro, Jennifer Ferrari, Steve Runberg, Erin Cohn, Janice Appler, Joseph Canosa III, Stephen Jennison Sr., Joseph Luongo, John Berean Happy Anniversary: Mr. and Mrs. Brian Dehn.

As always, any events, announcements recipes or pictures you want to share email me: Telltammy123@gmail.com or call 845-236-9998.