Back in 1999, I worked in Pete’s Pub, and one night these two guys were sitting at a table waiting for me to take their order. I looked at this one guy and he looked at me, and he said “I know you from somewhere,” and I said, “I know you, too.” Before the night was over, I remembered where I knew him from: I worked 20 years doing microfilming, and he was the bigwig in Astoria Federal Bank in Lake Success, NY for whom I was converting mortgages. I came back to him and gave him his bill and said, “You are Steve Miss.” We had a good laugh. He owned a hunting camp in Cochecton Center. Steve introduced me to his friend Richie Pinkava, they got into the habit of visiting me every tax season.

Recently, Steve sent me an e-mail saying Richie had passed away and he wanted to get his obit into the two local papers, so I offered to honor Richie in my column. Another Cochecton resident gone.

“Richie Pinkava, of Astoria, NY, lost his final battle with cancer on Thursday, December 25, 2014. He was 53. Devoted and loving son to Irene Pinkava. Fantastic brother to Anne Lechleider (nee Pinkava), and adored family man by his other family members. Richie adopted both Cochecton Center and Tusten as his second home. He spent many summers in the area as a youth, and over the years developed a passion for the outdoors and the community. An avid outdoorsman, he shared his knowledge and understanding with both novice and experienced individuals. His camp was always open to anyone who wanted to stop in to enjoy some conversation, share a meal or just sit by the fire and take in the beauty of nature around them. He enjoyed many of his final days at his property in the Narrowsburg area doing what he loved—enjoying life. Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org).”

RIP, Richie, and may God look after your family and friends.

The tax bills went out into the mail on Tuesday, December 30. During the month of January, I will be at the town hall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. No Saturday hours due to my husband’s being sick. You can always call me to make arrangements to meet me there at another time: 845/932-8360 , ext. 17. The best way to reach me is to e-mail taxcollector@townofcochectonny.org. All your tax information is available online at www.taxlookup.net.

I would like to thank all my loyal readers and wish you all a very healthy New Year.

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