It’s that time of the year when the best way to cope with all this lousy weather is start planning for summer gardens and remember all the good things the summer brings. One thing I love about summer in the Catskills is all the chicken BBQ events which eliminates the need to cook! Great news to find out that the Shohola Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department will be holding their very popular February Thaw Chicken BBQ. The BBQ will be held on Saturday, February 11th from 4-7pm for eat-in or take out. The dinner includes ½ a chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, dinner roll, homemade dessert, and a bottle of water (other beverages will be available for purchase). Tickets are $15.00 per person and can be purchased from any member of the Department, online at www.shoholafd.com or by calling 570-559-7525. It’s best to buy your tickets to this taste of summer event soon as it always sells out quickly.

Congratulations are in order for Lou Monteleone and his family for having their Pizza Piazza in Eldred recognized as the 1st Place winner out of a field of twelve nominations in their “Best Of” edition of Backroads Magazine in their “Great American Diner Run” for 2022. The article mentions the Piazza “using the freshest ingredients and serving the best made to order pizza we have ever found on the road. Lou Monteleone and his brother Frank have turned the crossroads of routes 55 and 32 into a super (motorcycle) riding destination.” I spoke with Lou who told me that the award came as a complete surprise to him and he had no idea that the Piazza was being considered. “It is a lot of hard work for me and my family, and its so very nice to be appreciated for what we love doing. My family is so excited by this award and very humbled and to have so many locals and visitors enjoy our pizza.” Lou also told me that starting next week he will be making fresh “heat and eat” pizzas from the Piazza menu that will be available at The Corner in Eldred. For another taste of summer, check out Lou Monteleone’s Facebook page for details and the pizza selections of the day.

Speaking of accolades and awards, congratulations are also in order for Meredith Talusan Hanson of Barryville. As a bestselling author (Fairest), journalist and college professor, Meredith was named as one of the 2023 Creative Capital “Wild Futures: Art, Culture Impact” Award Winners. Ms. Hanson won for her novel “The Shadow Worker.” The Creative Capital awards recognize ground-breaking projects that focus on Technology, Performing Arts and Literature as well as Multidisciplinary and Socially Engaged Forms.

Just a reminder that the Eldred Little League is still conducting registration for the 2023 season. T-Ball is $95.00 per child. Coach, Pitch, Minor & Major $125.00 per child. The family maximum for fees is $300. and reduced fees are available for financial hardship situations. A copy of each child’s birth certificate is a requirement to register-no exceptions. Registration for the 2023 season will close on February 14th. For further information contact Johnny Tice the League President at 845-701-3614 or email elderdlittleleague@gmail.com. Just so you know MLB pitchers and catchers will report to Spring Training in Florida and Arizona on February 13th and position players on February 16th. Opening Day is March 30th so take heart as Spring has nearly sprung!