Tommy’s sister’s husband, Mike, is dying and I was down in Queens for the last four days to sit with her. My sister-in-law’s name is Eileen. She will have lost her oldest brother and husband within months. So sad—life is so short. Tommy was 66 and Mike is 67; so young. On the way back upstate I had such a strong urge to go sit with Friar Bill. He is only 10 minutes off of Interstate 87. We sat and watched football, and he had me laughing, telling me stories. He is very happy to report that after 10 months and failing six throat swallow tests, he finally passed. Friar is so excited to be back on regular food and can drink normal fluids, but nothing that is thickened, to quote Fr., “no more mush.” Fr. Bill would like me to send you all a blessing, and he wishes everyone a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

The Cochecton Preservation Society would like to thank all who supported and attended their “Souper Sunday.” Everyone enjoyed sampling more than a dozen varieties of soup, plus a bazillion calories of amazing homemade desserts. If you are interested in becoming a member, please give Peggy Richardson a call at 845/932-8104.

Save the date: Heinle’s General Store on Sunday, November 22 will hold a special one-time Sunday brunch. The breakfast buffet will include an omelet station and fresh baked goods, plus many extras. It will also include a carving station with hot fresh turkey and all the trimmings.

Saturday, November 21, after mass, The Knights of Columbus are hosting their Turkey and Ham Bingo at Holy Cross Church, Route 97 in Callicoon, NY. Admission costs $4, cards cost $1, and hot dogs and chicken soup are for purchase. The Knights donate money to our local food pantries and outreach programs for local families during the holiday season. If you have any questions, please call Grand Knight Teddy Laffin at 845/252-3630.

St. Francis Xavier Outreach Program Coordinator Barbara Drollinger would like to let everyone know that it is that time of year when she depends on monetary donations. You can mail your donations to PO Box 8, Narrowsburg, NY 12764, or if you would like to talk to Barbara, give her a call at 845/252-3224. There will be a Christmas tree in Pete’s Market in Narrowsburg to help collect toys for local children. There will be tags on the tree with the information that you will need, such as the gender of the child and their age. Bring an unwrapped toy to Pete’s, and they will be picked up daily. All toys collected go to local children.

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