What an amazing night! I just came back from Narrowsburg, where the Santa Express arrived. Mr. and Mrs. Claus were there with Frosty, Rudolph, gingerbread people, Jingle Bear, Buddy the Elf, three female elves, the Snow Queen and Olaf from “Frozen.” When the Snow Queen sang “Let It Go,” everyone was belting it out with her. So many people were dancing and singing in the streets. Santa outdid himself this year, and all who volunteer to make this magical night come together, I personally thank you. There was a special elf there whom I call my friend: Erika Crocitto. I had fun dancing with her. I was the biggest kid there dancing and singing and taking pictures. Some of my photos are on page 20; visit my Facebook page to see more photos and videos.

If you missed Santa, you can get to meet him again at the Narrowsburg Diner on December 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; RSVP to 845/252-9921 by December 14.

Heinle’s General Store would like to thank everyone who came out on Saturday night for an incredibly successful Christmas party. Despite the bad snowy weather, there was a nice crowd. A good amount of donations was received for the Cochecton Center Community Church—nothing better than a little charity before Christmas with good food and great people. Heinle’s staff sends the following greetings: “Love you all, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year.”

The Lake Huntington Fire Co. is selling tickets for its New Year’s Day chicken barbeque; ask any of the firefighters and they can hook you up, or call RuthAnn at 845/932-8514 or 932-8444. It is take-out only and costs $10 from 3 p.m. until sold out.

A special happy birthday to Maria Meyer, who turned 85 on December 10 and is living in Ellen Memorial Health Care Center in Honesdale. Mildred Meyer, her sister, told me she is doing pretty well and holding her own. 

Keep smiling and have a great week. Email leeniebeans@citlink.net or call 845/252-3568 if you have news. You can always check me out at riverreporter.com in Community Living.