As fly-fishing season kicks off, anglers eagerly anticipate the chance to hook into some prized trout or bass, all while soaking in the sights and sounds of nature. With any luck, Mother Nature will grace us with some sunnier skies and milder temperatures, making for the perfect conditions to spend a day on the water. Grab your gear, tie on your favorite flies, and let's get fishing.

Have a look at a few events and activities in our community and locally: 

This week marks the start of Hudson Valley Restaurant Week. From now through April 21, enjoy the offerings of local chefs and bakers at participating restaurants featuring prix fixe lunches and dinners priced from $24.95 - $44.95. Learn more at valleytable.com/restaurant-week/.

On April 13,  River Rep Theatre with the Delaware Valley Opera House will hold its first annual gala at 7 p.m. in Lake Huntington. The evening will include an exciting program of staged scenes, songs and solo piano performed by a talented lineup of local and visiting artists.  A full buffet will be served, with delicious food from the sponsor restaurants—Old Foundation, Callicoon Brewery, Creek House, Santorini Mix Grill and Local Pizza. For details contact riverreptheatre@gmail.com.

The 2024 Health & Wellness Program will take place on April 18 at 6 p.m. at Cochecton Volunteer Ambulance Corps, located at 70 County Rte. 116 in Lake Huntington. The focus will be on health and wellness, and disease management and prevention.  The schedule includes a meet and greet and a giveaway, and beverages will be provided. Please contact Pat Skiba, RN at 475/332-2208 for more information and any questions.

There will be a penny social at the Lake Huntington Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 27. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and calling begins at 12:30 p.m. Hot dogs and soda for sale. Many great prices and raffles; fun for all.

Save the date for the Plein Air Lake Huntington Event on April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Step into the picturesque outdoors and unleash your creativity amidst the beauty of nature. Art lovers and artists of all levels are invited to register and be paired with Lake Huntington landowners. Artists start the day off with complimentary pastry and coffee at the registration desk on the front porch of the Arts Nest, 6692 Route 52 in Lake Huntington.

Artists will have exclusive access to private property along the lake, which includes waterfalls, landscapes, cow fields, a farm and one-of-a-kind lake views. Art supplies are available for beginners and a private escort will accompany each artist to their own scenic slice of Lake Huntington to create their very own masterpiece.

Mark your calendars for the Callicoon Fire Department Annual Car Show on May 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Delaware Youth Center. Vendors are wanted for this event; please call 845/887-4233 to secure your $20 spot. (No food vendors.)

If you have a local business that you would like to have spotlighted in an upcoming column, please get in touch. Please email jenn@jennpowelldesigns.com with any news, events and happenings. Catch me online at www.everafterinthewoods.com for delicious recipes too!