Summer made a comeback this week! I admit I did have to turn on some heat Oct. 15 but it was great to turn it off after two days. The little rain we had didn’t do much for our streams, but I have enjoyed sitting in the sun on my deck after work. My roses are hearty and are still going strong even after a frost or two. All my other plants are happy to have been brought indoors for winter. We had back to back hail events last week which, in my mind, is unusual. My kids tell me there is going to be a lot of hail this winter. Not sure how they know that but we are taking extra precautions as we batten down the hatches.
Halloween is here. It’s not my favorite holiday but everyone else in our community is gung ho. Here is what’s happening:
The Catskill Recreation Center in Arkville hosts a Halloween extravaganza on Friday, Oct. 25 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The trick or treat trail is more than half a mile of tables with games, tricks and treats.
The Andes Central School Class of 2028 hosts a Halloween Family Fun Night Friday, Oct. 25 starting at 5:30. Pumpkin carving and painting, mystery box games, a mummy wrap, costume contest and lots more will be offered.
The Andes Hotel pulls out all the stops Saturday, Oct. 26 starting at 7 p.m. Traditional Halloween activities will also feature Sounds Good DJs for a disco and dance party and $500 worth of cash prizes for a costume contest with five different categories that get judged at 9 p.m.
In Fleischmanns events run from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31. A Jack O’Lantern contest with a $100 cash prize to the winner will be decided at Doolittle’s for carved pumpkins entered by 5 p.m. A costume contest takes place at the Print House at 7:30 p.m. with categories for different age groups. The Arts Inn will host a mask making workshop for all ages between 4 and 7 p.m. and the Shadowcrest Guest House will host ghost stories on the porch at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Other treats and activities will be held up and down the street throughout the evening.
At Margaretville Central School, the Class of 2028 will host a dance for schoolmates Friday, Oct. 25. The MCS Athletic Booster Club will host a Brooks Chicken Barbecue Friday, Oct. 31 in the back of the school from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Most important is that the chicken must be ordered ahead of time. The school’s annual Halloween parade is also scheduled for Friday. Elementary students with teachers and parents will march up Main Street starting at 1 p.m. In case of rain the parade of costumes will be held in the gym.
Roxbury will be Halloween ready Saturday, Oct. 26 with a pumpkin carving contest and Halloween party. People sign up and pick out pumpkins at school. A cash-only entry fee benefits the Roxbury Fire Department. At 5:30 p.m. the festivities get underway. People can stop at Kirkside Manor’s Haunted House and get a ballot for voting on pumpkins. After strolling Main Street to vote, there will be snacks, beverages and family activities including caramel apple dipping at the Roxbury Arts Group. A monster dance party is also on tap there.
The Halloween fright won’t even be over when early voting begins in this year’s election. Saturday, Oct. 26 through Tuesday, Nov. 5, registered voters have the opportunity to make their voices heard. In addition to races including president, vice president, senate and house of representatives, we have important state and local races to decide. There is also an important ballot issue - a state-wide equal rights amendment among other things to be considered. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, I think it’s really important to laud our longtime election commissioners Democrat Judith Garrison and Republican Maria Kelso. These two can be fierce advocates for their parties, but they are equally fierce is serving as watchdogs to be sure that every vote is legally and properly cast and counted. Despite what national candidates try to sell as rampant voter fraud, there are people just like these two working all over this country to be sure our elections are safe and fair. If you have any questions about any aspect of this, just call them: 607-832-5321.
The Hubb at 905 Main Street in Margaretville is quiet this coming week with just one event scheduled. Michael Reichman will be there Wednesday, Oct. 30 as he is every Wednesday at 6 p.m. to host the “Recovery Room” support group. The Recovery Room is open to all who are looking for a non-judgmental space to talk about issues of all kinds. The group is a “walk-in” event but people seeking information ahead of time can contact Michael at 914-260-1287 to learn more.
Condolences to the family of Robert “Bob” Stevens. The Andes farmer lived a long and happy life before passing away recently.
Congratulations to Valery Pinel-Martinez who earned STEM Student of the Week honors at Margaretville Central School.
Happy birthday wishes this to Eric Fronckowiak and his granddaughter, young Cara Fronckowiak who just turned one, and to Joe Kelly, who is a lot older than that! Happy birthday wishes also to Diane Cognitore, Sally Goodchild, Levan Johnson, Marilyn Silver, Barbara Potts Hubbell, Tim Cox, Ken Hiratsuka, Alex Sharpe, Larry Reilly, Miguel Martinez-Riddle, Charlene Bode, Brian Mulder, Pat Moore, Joan Kemp, Ellen Stewart, Bill Fiedler III and Mikey Bartfield.
Now let’s get real here. I know you are reading this column. I see you and I hear comments all the time. But you must call or write. I repeat my mantra: Contact me using the info at the top of the column to see your events or milestones here. Have a great week.
