Out Lexington Way by Christine Dwon - 14 December 2025

LEXINGTON - The Rappleyea/Strausser house on Spruceton Road, West Kill was destroyed by fire on Dec. 2.  Dale Strausser and his dog were living in the home.  They are both safe. Everything was lost in the fire.    Needed clothing—36×32 pants, 2XL shirts, 9 ½ shoes. There is a collection box at the Community Hall in West Kill. Donations may also be left at the Lexington Municipal Building. Debbie Maynard is the contact person at 518-610-3439.      

Santa Claus came to town Dec. 6 to the annual Tree Lighting and Carol Sing in West Kill on a Town of Lexington Fire Company truck to the delight of everyone there.  After lighting the tree, everyone including Santa, went to the Community Hall for refreshments and visit with Santa.

If you would like to contribute to a Toy Drive for Children in the Hunter-Tannersville Central School District, there is a drop box located at Van Dusen’s, 4021 Route 42, Lexington until Dec. 14.  New unwrapped generic toys are being requested for ages 1 to 17 years.

Happy birthday to Linda Nicholls on Friday, Dec. 12.

Saturday, Dec. 13 is Rick Dearstyne’s birthday.

Rocco D’Addario has a birthday on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Happy 52nd wedding anniversary to Pam and Jim Tilp Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Also celebrating a wedding anniversary on Dec. 16 are Judy and Steve Haskin.

Happy birthday to Mickie Winters Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Best wishes to everyone.

The Mountain Top Parish-wide Christmas Party and Potluck Supper is Friday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. at the Lexington/West Kill UMC, Lexington.  If you are able, please bring a dish to share and a grab bag gift.  All are welcome

Ashland Community UMC, 12216 State Route 23, Ashland is having a Cookie Walk on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Santa Claus will be at the Mountain Top Library, 6093 Main Street, Tannersville on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m.  To contact the library call 518-589-5707.

Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the Holiday Fun Holly Jolly Party at the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitor Center, 13787 State Route 30, North Blenheim.  Free photos with Santa, every child gets a holiday ornament, letter writing to Santa, kids crafts, carriage ride and more, rain or shine, free admission and parking.

There is a Mountaintop Community Dinner on Monday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. at the VFW Post 1545, 5565 NY 23, Windham.  All are welcome for this free community dinner.  Come and enjoy good food and company.  Please bring non-perishable food items for local food pantries.  To contribute for future community dinners you can make checks payable to Mountaintop Interfaith Community, POB 139, Tannersville, NY 12485, add memo “food security.”  For more information or to volunteer call 914-523-3766 or Jonathangross25@gmail.com.

Greene County Department of Human Services is now partnering with Catholic Charities of Columbia-Greene County National Community Care Corps Volunteer Program for Homebound Medical Transportation.  Existing medical transportation clients should now call 518-828-8660, ext 115 to schedule.  New clients in need of medical transportation should call Greene County DHS for an assessment at 518-719-3556.

A Medicare Minutes Representative will be available from the Greene County Department of Human Services with info and for questions on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 11:45, at the Senior Service Center at the Jewett Municipal Building 3547 County Route 23C, Jewett, 518-263-4392. If you would like to stay for lunch, please call at least a day in advance to reserve your meals.

VFW Post 1545, 5565 NY 23, Windham, has Bingo Nights the first and third Thursdays of the month.  Food and beverages are available for purchase from the Windham Community Center.  Arrive at 6 p.m., games start to 6:30 p.m.

The Greene County Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of Dec. 15 – Dec. 19 is as follows:  Monday—Sloppy Joes (gluten in bun), old fashioned vegetable mix, white rice, fruit cocktail; Tuesday—Sweet and sour chicken, oriental vegetables, white rice, tropical fruit; Wednesday—Hot dog (gluten in bun) with sauerkraut, baked beans, carrots, sugar cookie; Thursday—Christmas holiday dinner—cheese and crackers, baked ham with chutney, sweet potato, cauliflower Au Gratin, cheesecake with cherry topping; Friday—Crab topped cod, zucchini/yellow squash, rice pilaf (contains gluten), fresh fruit.  All persons 60 and older are invited to attend.  Meals served at noon, suggested $4 donation for each meal.  Congregate reservations are required by noon at least a day in advance.  If you reserve a meal and are unable to attend, please call as soon as you can to cancel.  The number to call for the Senior Service Center the Jewett Municipal Building, 3547 County Route 23C, Jewett is 518-263-4392.

Help feed local families.  The Tannersville Food Pantry, which is a mission of the Kaaterskill and East Jewett UM Churches, is asking for your help in donating non-perishable food and oral care items, Chunky Soups, Beef Stew, Spaghetti-O’s, pasta, cereal, canned vegetables, beans.  The food pantry is open to all on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  The pantry is located by the Tannersville Firehouse. Food donations may be brought Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tannersville Village Hall, One Park Place, Tannersville.  You may also send a donation to Kaaterskill UMC, POB 225, Tannersville, NY 12485.

Thank you to all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, volunteers, healthcare providers, veterans, actively serving military, farmers, truck drivers and so many more.

Prayers for all who are dealing with loss, illnesses, healing, difficulties, our country, our military and their families, the world.

Until next week take care, be thankful, be safe, be respectful to others and please be kind to one another.  Your act of kindness may change someone’s life.