As the year comes to a close, we are thankful for many things, as we continue to live Narrowsburg. At the very least, we should take a moment to thank two individuals who served us well. Norman Meyer leaves his position of town councilman. He has served for four years and addressed the issues with sincerity and often expressed deep passion as he offered his guidance. Thank you, Norm.

We also cannot forget the fine work of Glenn Swendsen, highway superintendent. Do you realize that approximately one-half of our total Town of Tusten budget is allocated to the highway department? The highway superintendent has a great deal of fiscal responsibility as well as a great deal of daily operations responsibility. We all remember the cold, snowy weather of last year and the prompt snow removal accomplished by the highway department. Glenn led his staff and managed all his responsibilities extremely well. He protected our money as if it was his own, never overspending just because the money was there and cautiously prepared for the future by upgrading and maintaining equipment.

Swendsen and his staff have never refused to assist the Narrowsburg Beautification Group (NBG). He provided the NBG guidance when it came to developing projects along the roadways, and he and his staff gladly assisted with sign placement along our walking trail. The list goes on, but this column is limited in space. Suffice it to say, Thank you, Glenn, for your dedication to your job and to the taxpayers of Tusten. Perhaps you will even be able to sleep in when the first snow storm arrives! Thank you and good luck as you move on to your next job.

As the year ends, the transformation of the school begins. A crowd of approximately 100 people gathered to hear Brendan and Kathy Weiden express their thanks to “the entire Narrowsburg community... people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and interests united in expressing their desire to see the building reborn and reintegrated into the community.” This clear expression of the community led the Weidens to rename the school the Narrowsburg Union. We will watch as the development of the Narrowsburg Union unfolds in 2016. Thank you Brendan and Kathy Weiden for your persistence to preserve the school and lead the way to a befitting future.