Contributed photo Gardeners support Christmas Bureau

Helping Hands

ThunderBlast toys picked up by Marine Corps League

MONTICELLO, NY—Toys donated during the ThunderBlast event are picked up by the Catskill Detachment Marine Corps League. Seen above, left to right, are Cindy Nolan, revenue verification clerk and Eileen Cavanaugh, manager of human resources, both from Monticello Casino and Raceway; Regina Hensley, marketing and promotions director and Michelle Semerano of Ciliberto & Friends, Mike Sakell of Sakell in the Afternoon and Paul Ciliberto of Ciliberto and Friends, all of Thunder 102; James Meyers, commandant, Catskill Detachment Marine Corps League; and Cliff Ehrlich, president and general manager of Monticello Casino and Raceway.

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Pear Salad

By Lori Malone

The holidays can all too easily become synonymous with unhealthy eating. But it’s possible to make dishes that provide a lot of healthy nutrition while satisfying the soul, and this salad is one of them. With fruits, vegetables, nuts and low-fat cheese it packs plenty of vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein as well as taste. It makes a refreshing addition to any potluck buffet. And it doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare—leaving you plenty of time to finish all your other holiday projects.

Pre-packaged mesclun greens

1 medium red onion sliced thin

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Eagle volunteers get set for the season

LACKAWAXEN, PA—Ready to launch its 12th season, the Eagle Institute provides training to the volunteers so that they can collect data about the 150 to 200 eagles that migrate to this region, and so they can help more than 6,000 visitors view eagles in the safest and least intrusive manner. This year they trained about 50 volunteers.

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