Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy new year to all—the healthy part is what I am going for in 2019. I have to go get another MRI on my ear. The doctors think I still have a mastoiditis infection of the skull bone behind the ear. This coming year will be better, and it’s up to me to make it that way. December 30 I turn 59. Holy crap, how did I get so old? That means next year it’s the Big Six-O. Around the holidays, I think of all my loved ones who are no longer with us: family and so many friends I have met living in Cochecton. I worked at the now-closed Pete’s Pub for three years, which was the best job I’ve ever had, filled with so much fun and so many friends who have passed on. I think it is important when you loved someone to keep their memory alive. 

The Cochecton Youth Holiday party was a great success—Santa had a great time with the kids (see page 17 for a photo). Thank you to Brad and Annabelle Rutledge for the great music and singing. The kids enjoyed the singing and toys they got from Santa immensely.

In case you didn’t know, I am the Town of Cochecton Town Tax Collector (not the school tax collector!). I will be collecting taxes in the town hall at 74 Smales Rd., Cochecton, NY. Taxes will be received in my office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment (call first, 845/932-8360, ext. 17.) If weather is bad, I will not be there. After January 31, the following is a graduated interest schedule: January, par; February, 1%: March, 2%. In addition, a $2 penalty will be added to your bill if it is not paid when the unpaid notices are sent on or before March 3. This is a state law. The last day to pay taxes is March 31, 2019. If your are mailing your payment, make sure the post office canceled your stamp, we go by post marks. There is a $30 returned-check charge. Make checks payable to  Town of Cochecton Tax Collector. The mailing address is Eileen Hennessy, 295 Mohn Rd., Narrowsburg, NY 12764. You can get all your tax info at www.taxlookup.net. This year credit card payments are going to be handled differently in the Town of Cochecton—more info to follow. You can always call me to pay over the phone. If you have to change an address, call the assessor at 845/932-8160, ext. 12, or if you need any past tax information call the county at 845/807-0200.

Save the date: Tuesday January 1, New Years Chicken BBQ at the Lake Huntington Fire Co. from 2 to 5 p.m. To get your tickets in advance call 845/932-851. Take out only.

God’s blessings in 2019.

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