Congratulations to Frank Guzman of Mohican Lake, who has been named Volunteer of the Year by the Upper Delaware Council. For the past seven years, Frank has led Team Six for the UDC’s Litter Pluck, organizing residents from both Highland and Lumberland. After graduating from Columbia University, he worked in Washington, D.C., for Congressman Charles Rangel before returning to New York City to pursue his dream job as a flight attendant and International Purser for Delta Airlines. In that role, he also organizes company charitable events to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

Frank’s dedication to reading, literacy, and the Sunshine Hall Free Library is just one more example of his commitment to the community. Last month, he showed that support once again as the highest bidder in the library’s online auction, winning an autographed copy of best-selling author Ann Patchett’s novel Whistler. Those who know Frank understand that after a hello, the next question is often, “Where are you right now?” He may be lending a hand with Catskill Pride somewhere in Sullivan County, preparing to fly from JFK to Senegal, Israel or Hong Kong, or enjoying a peaceful afternoon kayaking with Alex on beautiful Mohican Lake. Wherever life takes him, Frank leads with genuine kindness, grace, and goodwill. Congratulations, Frank, on this truly well-deserved honor.

The crisp early-morning air reminds us that fall has arrived, making it a good time to revisit everything we need to do before winter. I have also been refreshing my understanding of El Niño versus La Niña winter patterns. This winter is expected to follow an El Niño pattern, which usually brings warmer-than-normal temperatures and less snow. El Niño develops when weaker trade winds allow warmer surface water to move farther east than usual toward Central and South America. With oil prices quickly climbing, a visit by the “The Little Boy” sounds good to me.

Even with an unwelcome groundhog invading my garden this summer, the season turned out fairly well. I still have a few tomatoes left, and it was a good year for eggplant and squash. After hearing how productive they were, I had bought two tomato plants from the Highland Lions Club—and they more than lived up to their reputation for providing tomatoes nearly all summer. To celebrate fall, the Highland Lions Club is holding its annual mum sale fundraiser. Plants are $10.00 each and may be placed through any Lions Club member or by emailing thetownofhighlandlionsclub@gmail.com. Several colors are available, with pickup on Saturday, September 26^th, beginning at 9 a.m. at 3416 State Route 97 in Barryville. Since the tomato plants worked out so well, I have ordered some mums for my garden.

The Sullivan County Department of Public Health is sponsoring a free rabies clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets on Wednesday, October 7^th, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Monticello Fire House, 23 Richardson Avenue, Monticello. The clinic is open only to Sullivan County residents, and photo ID is required. Pets must be at least three months old and must be leashed or secured in a carrier. Aggressive dogs must be muzzled, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. The Health Department asks owners to bring proof of any previous rabies vaccinations. Reservations are not required. For more information, call the Sullivan  Department of Health at 845-292-5910, ext. 0.