Happy birthday to Matt Lehman, Olga Bell, Kirsten Foster, Marc Lerner, Jennifer Berry, Molly VanEtten, Chris Evans, Bruce Lapidus and Kelly Bonnaci. Best wishes to Suzy and Joe Loughlin on their anniversary.

Our sympathy to the family of Christine Dahlman.

Kudos to Eugene Goodman.

Pay attention and hope for the best for the Biden-Harris Inauguration, which can be viewed virtually, on Wednesday, the 20th. People have ‘lost their heads' and after the breach of the US Capitol and an impeachment of the POTUS, I cannot imagine what will happen next... I dare not say anything further.

Public Service and Covid Alert: Wear your mask. Get tested. Covid-19 and the UK strain are still with us! Upstate numbers aren't good, hospital beds are lacking and our medical staff is exhausted. The vaccine has become available for Level #1 and 1A - includes seniors, 75 yo +, Emergency and health care workers, teachers, etc. FMI contact Public Health. Reminder: only with the second dose are you 95% protected. Consider the flu and/or pneumonia shot. If traveling, check area Health Department restrictions.

Federal and State stimulus aid has come through. For those currently collecting benefits, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance needs your continual certification. Financial assistance, SVO Grants and PPP small business loan applications are more readily available now. Use www.sba.gov or follow ‘Coronavirus Update - NYS Making Progress Happen' on the Governor Andrew M. Cuomo facebook site.

If all of what we've had to endure - Covid, quarantining, financial, social and political challenges, Washington chaos - have gotten to you, it may be time to turn for help.

Talk to a friend, a professional or try a tele-health virtual visit. Eat well and exercise. Take a good walk, commune with nature, or express yourself in a journal. Let's stay positive and help each other out.

The expansive Empire State Trail is open. Catskill Mountainkeeper and Trailkeeper.org also offer miles of hiking.

Contact Body Mind and Spirit or try Ora's Yoga classes (oraramat@gmail.com).

Town of Bethel - 583-4350. Community Assistance - 807-0925. Public Health - 292-5910. Mental Health - 292-8770. Food Security: This issue is serious and our local resources need our support. Make donations directly to the pantries: Shephard's Pantry - 583-5885, 707-2333. SC Federation for the Homeless - Veteran's Pantry Service (Monti) - 794-2604. Meals on Wheels - 807-0241. Food benefit service apps: www.MyBenefits.ny.gov or 845-842-1232.

For Bethel resident program applications: CEAP (heat) or the Smoke CO2 Alarm Program, call 583-4350. For Property Tax Bill information or payment office hours, call 583-4350 x108.

To Do: The Bethel Business Association is welcoming new businesses, volunteers, and committee ideas for 2021. Contact bethelnybba@gmail.com. The Town of Bethel Dog Park is looking for volunteers. Call Supervisor at 583-4350 x102.

Check out Crawford Library programs: www.ebcpl.org. Browse the Duggan Past Perfect Bookstore.

Support the SPCA fundraisers hosted on ‘Sullivan County SPCA Prize Wheel' (fb). Although the symposium happened last week, contact Sullivanrenaissance.org for 2021 program news and get your town or organization involved.

Culture: Call ahead for entertainment schedules at Catskill Distilling, Hector's and local restaurants. Catch musicians on line: Albi, Fisher and Kean, Laura Garone, Joanna Gass, Keith Newman, Shlomo Franklin, or Steve and Antoine.

Support area artists and art centers: CAS, DVAA, NCA, HPAC, NACL, SCDW. DVAA has issued a Call for Artists “Love in the Time of Covid-19” submissions of work in all mediums and currently accepting solo and group exhibition work for 2022. Deadline is January 30th. The group show will be open to the public Feburary 13th-March 27th.

Nesin Cultural Arts offers In-Person Dance Workshops for 8-18yo in Monticello. Contact: 845-707-3044 or use nesinculturalarts.eventbrite.com. SC Dramatic Workshop is hosting virtual performances of “Poets Circle” on the weekend of Jan. 22 and 29. Contact: 845-401-6364.

“Support Local 845”: Stop in and shop retail, use local services and order or dine in at our restaurants.

Suz Sez, “God bless America.”