Happy birthday to Sophie VanLowe, Madeline Kask, Matt Burns, Aaron Weiss, Tim Morey, Michael LaFountain, Nelda Coleman, Barry Scheinfeld, Emil Miller, Steve Tucker, Maria Perrelli, Marie Smith, John Ferrara, James Loney, Margaret Christian, Barbara Garigliano and Antoine Magliano. Best wishes to Albi and Gentjana Beluli on their anniversary.

Our sympathy extends to the family and friends of Anthony Rhulen, who passed recently on the 15th. Our condolences also go to the family of Kenny Wright.

Kudos to: Amanda Gorman for her stunning delivery of “The Hill we Climb”. To Bill Rozar for assisting in the safe return of Brian Bunce's dog, ‘Sammy'.

Public Service & Covid Alert: As we await Federal changes in the roll out of the vaccine, continue to wear a mask and get tested. Covid19 and the UK strain are still with us! The numbers aren't good, hospital beds and our medical staff are exhausted. It's time to make an appointment and research where you will get vaccinated locally.

One such spot, the Callicoon pharmacy, www.riversideremedies, asks you to contact them or better yet, stop in to register to get the vaccine. Use the state “Am I Eligible” app or call 833-NYS-4VAX for scheduling. NYS has added the Dome Arena in Henrietta, NY to their site list. FMI contact Public Health. Reminder: You're only 95% protected with the second dose. Consider the flu and/or pneumonia shot with your doctor. If traveling, check area Health Department restrictions.

Federal and State stimulus aid has opened. For those collecting benefits, the UI - Unemployment Ins. or PUA - Pandemic Unemployment Assistance needs your continual certification.

Part time workers have changed to filing in hourly rates. Financial assistance, SVO Grants and PPP- small business loan applications are also available now. Use www.sba.gov or follow ‘Coronavirus Update -NYS Making Progress Happen' on Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's facebook site.

Town of Bethel-583-4350. Community Assistance-807-0925. Public Health-292-5910. Mental Health-292-8770.

2020 has been a lot! If you need help, turn to a professional, a virtual tele-health visit or a good friend. Mind your health. Use jsanchez@sullivan180.org for more info about monthly ‘Suicide Prevention Training' programs.

Food Security: 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-794-2604. Meals on Wheels- 807-0241.

To Do: For assistance with Bethel CEAP (heat) or the Smoke CO2 Alarm programs, call 583-4350. For Bethel Property Tax payment information or office hours, call 583-4350 x108.

Stop by the Duggan Past Perfect Bookstore. The Bethel Business Association is currently welcoming members at a 2021 discounted rate. For more info email: bethelnybba@gmail.com. The Bethel Dog Park is looking for volunteers. Call 583-4350 x102.

Check out www.scboces.org or Crawford Library www.ebcpl.org programs. Register for “Borscht Belt in the Winter” zoom panel discussion with Steve White, Marvin Rappaport and John Conway on the 28th at 6pm! Contact Sullivanrenaissance.org for program news and get your town involved. Support SPCA fundraisers hosted on Fb ‘Sullivan County SPCA Prize Wheel'.

Culture: Support area artists and art centers: CAS, DVAA, NCA, HPAC, NACL, SCDW. DVAA's deadline is Jan 30th for “Love in the Time of Covid-19” artist's work submissions in all mediums and the 2022 solo and group exhibition. The current show will be open to the public Feb 13-March 27th.

Nesin Cultural Arts offers the last Dance Workshop on 29-30th in Monticello. Contact: 845-707-3044. SC Dramatic Workshop is hosting virtual performances of “Poets Circle” on the weekend of the 29th. Contact: 845-401-6364.

“Support Local 845”: Strive to keep community businesses afloat. Stop in and shop our area retail, services and restaurants.

Suz Sez, “This from Ms. Gorman, “...because I had the support of others, I was able kind of to slowly climb my way to the place I am today.”