Out Lexington Way by Christine Dwon - 19 December 2024

It may have been only 15 degrees outside but that didn’t stop anyone from enjoying the tree lighting, carol singing and Santa arriving in the Lexington fire truck on Dec. 14 in West Kill.  Everyone met at the West Kill/Lexington Community Hall at 6 p.m. and walked down to the tree.  After singing Christmas carols and flipping the switch to light the tree, Jolly Saint Nicholas arrived in the fire truck accompanied by a couple of elves.  Back to the community hall for delicious refreshments and the children got to visit and have their photos taken with Santa.  A delightful community tradition for the holidays.

Congratulations to the Hunter Public Library on being one of 34 New York Libraries recipients of the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation Partners with Rural Libraries to Support Literacy and Learning 2024 Grant Supporting Children’s Literacy and Programming.  The John Henry Eldred Jr Foundation’s annual library grant program supports rural public libraries in communities with limited resources.

Criteria for being awarded this year’s grants:  Libraries located in rural communities at least 10 miles from an urban cluster; serve populations under 25,000 and serve communities where at least 18 percent of the population lives in poverty. 

“We are humbled to play a small part in supporting the essential work of rural libraries,” said Mike Deetsch, Executive Director of the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation.  “These libraries serve as beacons of hope and opportunity, often in areas with limited resources.  By working with them, we aim to help children and families discover the joy of reading and the doors it can open.” 

The Platte Clove Community, 2255 Platte Clove Road, Elka Park will have a Christmas Carol Sing and Candle Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m.  There will be traditional Christmas carols and hymns and candle lighting on a Christmas Tree.  Refreshments will be provided.

Christmas Eve services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 24 in the Kaaterskill UMC, Main Street, Tannersville, at 4 p.m.  The Ashland UMC, 12216 Route 23, Ashland, will hold services at 7 p.m. and Windham-Hensonville UMC, Main Street, Windham, at 9 p.m.  

The Advisory Council to the Greene County Department for the Aging (Human Services) announces that nominations are being accepted for the annual Greene County Senior Citizen Awards.  The two awards, presented annually, are Senior Citizen of the Year and Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.  The purpose of the awards is to recognize the outstanding contributions and achievements of senior citizens who have volunteered their time and energy to help other people, their communities, and/or special projects.  The dedication of these volunteers help to make Greene County a better place for all of us.  The individuals chosen on the county level will then represent Greene County for recognition for New York State awards.

Any Greene County resident, age 60 or older, can be nominated for these awards.  Achievements must be voluntary in nature, performed in Greene County and not part of paid employment.  Past award winners may be nominated only if seven or more years have passed since last recognized.

If you know someone who deserves this recognition, contact the Greene County Department of Human Services at 518-719-3555 for an official nomination form.  Incomplete forms will not be considered as eligible.  Any inquires for further information may also be directed to the department.  Deadline for entries is Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

Stephen Foreman’s birthday is Monday, Dec. 23.

Dec. 23 is also Christopher Tilp’s birthday.

Amy (Van Etten) Heppard celebrates her birthday on Tuesday, Dec. 24.

Jill Coons has her birthday on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Also celebrating a birthday on Dec. 28 is JoAnn Haskin.

Monday, Dec. 30 is Jill Schermerhorn’s birthday.

DeDe Bulson’s birthday is Dec. 30.

Happy birthday to all.

The Kaaterskill UMC Food Pantry, by the Tannersville Firehouse, at the Tannersville Village Hall, One Park Lane, Tannersville, is open on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  The third Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. is for delivery to folks who do not have transportation, contingent on volunteer availability.  Call 518-589-5787 if you need delivery.  If you would like to help Kaaterskill UMC Food Pantry, you can also drop food off at Brave the Flames Restaurant, when open and Tannersville Village Hall during the week.

Thank you to all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, healthcare providers, volunteers, veterans and 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 respectful, be safe and please be kind to one another.  Your act of kindness may change someone’s life.

A reminder that there will be no Mountain Eagle issue on Friday, Dec. 27.

My hope for all – blessings, peace and joy filled holidays. To quote the Grinch after his heart grew three times, kindness and love, the things we need most.