I want to begin my column with a thank you to the many volunteers, firefighters, first responders and forest rangers that have been working to control the wildfires with wind shifts and the lack of rain and many other difficulties facing them by the minute. Also, the DEP and NYS Police helicopters that helped to assist local fire departments with aerial firefighting.  If you see something burning, call it in – it is unacceptable to be so careless. Most important, prayers for the family and the young forest ranger, Dariel Vasquez, who lost his life in the line of duty fighting the wildfire. 

Saturday Main Street Jeffersonville was crazy with three ribbon cuttings!  Congratulations to Cuppie Cake Desserts, Double D Sourdough and Toast! We are so very happy to have them be a part of this great town!  Lots of customers and I heard that both Cuppie Cake Desserts and Double D Sourdough sold out that day and that Toast made the best Mimosas! So much for my watching what I eat!  Be sure to stop in and visit them when you are in town.

Across the street is “Terra” a space to grow! (Located at 4888 NY-52) A serene, friendly, warm feeling place to find a beautiful plant (that you really need – I found 3 and am trying not to bring others home). Christopher Moyer, one of the partners has selected the best array of tropical and indoor plants, Cacti and Succulents that I have ever seen, and he is constantly bringing in more! Chris has worked in law firms, currently with Google in the Patent Law Department. He also gained a different type of knowledge from the Brooklyn Horticultural Garden. Then there is partner AJ Ojeda-Pons who has earned notoriety in the field of wines and a diploma in Wine & Spirits from WSET based out of London. AJ will show you how appreciate the many flavors and textures of wines at one of his Wine Tasting Sessions. Choose to have an in-house event with wine tastings at your home, a special place you choose, or at Terra where up to 12 people (bring your friends) can relax for an hour or so, while AJ shows you how to enjoy the many aspects of wine! AJ is available as a Wine Consultant for your other planned events. Maybe a Wedding or a Rehearsal dinner, Retirement party, etc. This amazing place also has stemware/ glassware, beautiful cocktail items, wine accessories, locally made ceramics (I saw a bowl I will probably go back for when I get that plant I saw too) taper candles, flowerpots and more! They work with local Wine shops for their wines and other local businesses too. They are open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with wine tastings in the evenings. FMI and to schedule your wine tasting: 845-747-0915, terraspace.jeff@gmail.com or https://terra-space-llc.square.site/

The Jeff Bank is hosting their annual Holiday Food Drive through Saturday, November 30th. They are collecting non-perishable food items which will be distributed to local families that could use some help throughout our communities. Please stop in one of their local offices and drop off something to help others.