Tommy and I just got home from a few days away in Lake George for our 24th wedding anniversary. We went to a rodeo, and as I was watching the cowboys I got to wondering, what makes a cowboy a cowboy? So I walked over to this nice young man—about 25—and I asked him. I had to smack his arm with the first answer he gave me. Then he told me it is the way of life you live, how you dress and the ethics you follow. The guys who ride the bulls are nuts. (Many years ago, I rode the mechanical bull at Gilley’s bar and honky-tonk in Texas, and I got bucked off. I left with a crack in my skull and a dislocated thumb. I had a great time. Ah, the good old days.)

Hope you all enjoyed the summer; that was the fastest summer for me since I was a kid.

End of the summer means back to school and school taxes. I am the Town of Cochecton tax collector NOT the school tax collector. Doreen Hanson is the school tax collector and you can call her at 845/482-4610, ext. 4115, or email doreenhanson22@yahoo.com. You can always mail your payment to Sullivan West, Dept 117022, P.O. Box 5270 Binghamton, NY 13902. The penalties for late payment are: add 2% if you pay between October 1 and 31; add 3% if you pay between November 1 and 4. After November 4 returned to county. or e-mail. You can always go to www.taxlookup.net for all your tax needs.

The Cochecton Youth Commission is currently looking for another member to join the board. If you are interested, please contact Sue Rodriguez at 845/866-0853. Keep watching your email for upcoming events, and remember to “like” us on Facebook.

On Sunday, September 7, check out St. Bladrick’s Day events at the Four Corners in Eldred. We have a local young lady Skylar Blain, 11 years old of Cochecton Center, who will be shaving her head to help fight childhood cancer. Skylar is following in her mother Erika’s footsteps, who shaved her head in 2012. To make a donation in Skylar’s name, visit her webpage at www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/733150/2014, The name of her team is No Fear, Just Faith, or you can call 888/899-2253.

There will be events going on all day, head shaving, a human line of hope/conga against cancer, a tricky tray, 50/50, etc. It all starts at 12 noon. If you would like to make a donation or get more information, go to www.stbaldricks.org/event/conga, or call 845/557-3321.

Have a great week and e-mail leeniebeans@citlink.net or call 845/252-3568 if you have news.