Birthday wishes to Barbara Lerner, Greg Goldstein, Anya Romanovna, Howard Siegel, Judith Hellman, Amy Kulchinsky, Lou Monteleone, Morgan Bernitt, Jennifer Heins VanEtten and Steve Rovi. Belated wishes to Diane Monahan, Dawn Green and Leslie Huppke.    

Anniversary wishes to Crystal and Pedro Tweed. 

Heartfelt sympathy is extended to Ellen, Ryan, Adam and Todd, extended family and friends of Kenny Herfield who passed away last week.

Our condolences to the family, friends and associates of Jim Arnott and to Sister Kevin John Shields’ family and those whose lives she touched.

Joan Booth was recognized last week with a well deserved surprise party at Crawford Library for 50 years of volunteer service!

PSA: Vax info: 800-232-0233. SC Health: 845-292-5910. Crisis Lifeline: Call 988. Overdose Help: 911 or 866-832-5575. Bethel News: Town information: www.townofbethelny.us. For Parks & Rec info, email: bethelparksandrec@gmail.com. The Bethel Town Board meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday (IP or zoom). The Planning Board generally meets on the first Monday of the month (IP only).

There is growing interest in the PB re-approval of the White Lake Mansion site application. Short-term rental regulation may be on the horizon.

Bethel residents can apply for CEAP by calling 845-583-4350. Shephard’s Pantry continues to accept food donations. They host pantry on the 2nd and 4th Thursday. FMI: 845-583-5885. Other area food services: SC Federation for the Homeless-845-794-2604 and Meals on Wheels (SCOA)-(845)-807-0241.

Business Watch: Shop and support surrounding area BBA member and Bethel businesses. Consider joining the Bethel Business Association now or before the ‘23 membership campaign ends in late winter.

Bethel Market Cafe has taken a break and reopens on the 16th. Woodstock Oasis’ ‘Super Bowl Specials’ must be pre-ordered. FMI:845-583-5500. 

Take advantage of Valley Daycare’s ‘February Friday Evening Childcare’, every Friday from 6-9:30pm(845-250-4110). Save the Date: Register for the SC Conservation Club’s ‘23 King of the Ice’ on White Lake on February 19th. 

Support the 45th annual 98.3 WSULHeart-A-Thon on the 17th. It airs on radio and is held live at the Resorts World Catskills Epicenter from 6am to 6pm along with the Rotary Blood Drive that starts at noon (pre-reg 800-933-2566). Donate now by purchasing a ‘Heart’ or call in/pledge day of event. 

Make a meaningful, special donation to ‘Team Maria Frangipane’! Enjoy the season! Hike, snowshoe, or cross-country the trails at the Forest Reserve at Smallwood. Inquire about discounts and group rates Bethel Parks and Rec Winter Ski Program offers at Big Bear.

Delaware Highlands Conservancy volunteers host Eagle Watch Observation Areas every weekend in February. View and learn about eagles in their habitat (845-583-1010, 570-266-3164 or delawarehighlands.org). Also, the DHC Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake, PA offers 144 acres with 3 miles of trails to enjoy (no pets).

Spend time at Holiday Mountain Ski & Fun Park. Tube, ski, snowboard or join the ski school. Check ‘Thursday Night Lights’ specials (845-796-3161). MCSD students use www.townofthompson.com/youthprogram for program application.

Celebrate Black History Month!

The ‘Wintry Community Song Circle’ will be offered on the 8th at Kauneonga Lake Community Park Gazebo at 11am (rsvp: sangha.birds@gmail.com). Exercise at ‘Dance It Off’ on Thursdays in the Duggan gym at 4:30pm.

Attend the SCVA Legislative Networking Breakfast on the 10th with speaker, Mark Dorr NYSHTA president, at Bernie’s BHR at 9am (Pre-register/ $35).   

How about a Free Family Winter Fun Day of sledding outside, crafts, activities and refreshments inside? Spend Saturday morning at East Mongaup River Park aka Town of Thompson Park from 10am-12noon (845-796-3603). On Saturday, the 11th, Bethel Parks & Rec offers Valentine themed Tea Parties for two groups. A ‘K- 3rd grade Tea Party’ and crafts from 11-12:30pm, followed by ‘Grades 4-7 Party’ with a Glam Session, Tea, valentine crafts, ending at 3:30pm (required pre-reg/ FMI: bethelnyparksandrec@gmail.com). Delaware Valley Opera hosts a Valentine’s Disco Benefit on Saturday at 7pm with buffet at 8:30p in Lake Huntington. $35/40 at the door.(SD2/18). Callicoon Hills hosts ‘Cupid’s Cabaret Valentine’s Day Drag Show’ on the 11th with acts, games, food, cocktails and love at 8pm.

Get prepped for Super Bowl LVII with the Eagles vs the KC Chiefs on Sunday, Feb 12th at 6:30pm ET, airing on FOX from Glendale, Arizona. Rihanna performs with RockNation for halftime.  

Arts & Culture: Bethelwoodscenter.org, Catskillartsociety.org, Cobaltstudios.net, Delawarehighlands.org,   Delawarevalleyartsalliance.org, www.ebcpl.org, Hurleyvilleartscentre.org, Narrowsburgunion.com, Nesinculturalarts.org, sccoplayers.org, scdw.net, and scnyhistory.org.

Look forward to Bethel Woods’ ‘23 season and purchase 2023 Memberships or the Season Lawn Pass. Concerts and events are starting to fill the calendar. Check the Winter Art and Wellness class schedule. 

The Narrowsburg Union hosts the Bethel Council of the Arts Group Exhibit, ‘Exploring Worlds of Dreams, Fantasies and Symbolic Imagery’ through March 4th.

Register for Cobalt Studios program, ‘Antifreakout Job Market Round-table’ scheduled for the 17th (845-583-7025). Suz sez, “When it is dark, look for stars.”