That was some snow we got! I love to shovel, but I hate to drive in it. (I am lucky my brother plows for us.)

I have been shopping and wrapping for the last week for the “Open Your Heart for Local Children Toy Drive.” Local children are going to have a very nice Christmas this year. Thank God I still have my mother’s house to use her dining room, which I turn into Santa’s little workshop. I’m missing my mother very much, and her house is the only place I feel peaceful.

I hope and pray that all of you have a very joyous and peaceful holiday season. I know so many people who lost loved ones this year. I am blessed to have lots of great memories of the holidays with my parents; my dad always played Santa, having gone to that special school where he got his certificate to be a Santa’s helper.

On Saturday, due to icy roads, the Cochecton Youth Commission cancelled the trip to Callicoon Theater to see “The Hobbit.” We are looking to reschedule it for next weekend Sunday the 22nd with a 1:30 p.m. sign in and movie starting at 2 p.m. Keep checking the Cochecton Youth Commission Facebook page for more information.

The Lake Huntington Fire Co. and the Ladies Auxiliary are holding a New Year’s Day chicken barbeque dinner from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets cost $12, pre-paid and takeout only. Each ticket enters you in a raffle for a cord of wood. To get a ticket, call Betty at 845/932-8378 or Ruthann at 845/932-8514, or you can ask any firefighter. Start off the New Year helping out the fire company by coming out to support them.

The Town of Cochecton is having their yearend meeting on Monday, December 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the new town hall. Meantime, Supervisor Gary Maas would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Please keep Tony and Valerie Ramos and family in your thoughts and prayers. Tony’s brother, Paul Ramos, died on December 13 at home with his family by his side, after battling muscular dystrophy. Paul was 47.

Have a great week and email me at leeniebeans@citlink.net, or call 845/252-3568 if you have any news.