The James Dworetsky Parade was another great success even if the weather was not the best. But, as some of the people watching said, we have had worse years in the past. A big thank you to all the participants braving the frigid weather and to those that stayed and watched the parade too! The Fire Departments, EMS vehicles and other vehicles were decorated beautifully, and the floats were fantastic too with the children having a good time. Music was playing to get everyone in the holiday spirit with some of the marchers dancing along. Thank you to the Jeffersonville Fire Department for hosting Santa and his elves in their firehouse before the Parade. The children had fun sitting on Santa’s lap, getting some gifts, eating some cookies, and getting some warm hot chocolate. Also, thank you to the NY State troopers and the Sheriff’s Department for taking care of the traffic and watching to be sure everybody was safe and not in the road while scooping up some treats. 

When you are in Jeffersonville take a moment to drive through The Backyard Park (21 Lovett Lane) and enjoy the beautiful trees that different groups within our community have decorated for Christmas. At night you can even see them from Route 52 but please watch the road if you are driving. The JEMS (Jeff’s beautification group), Ride -2- Survive, FFA (Future Farmers of America), Jeffersonville Post Office, the Small Town Country 4-H Group and the Solstice and Ash Mystic Shoppe have each decorated a tree and we have more being decorated soon. 

The Friends of the Western Sullivan Public Library are holding a Holiday Book Sale in Memory of Susan Kohler December 6 through 13 at their Jeffersonville Branch during library hours, Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday & Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Call 845-482-4350 for more information and/or to sign up to volunteer.

Reminder about two great events both this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. The First Presbyterian Church in Jeffersonville is hosting their Cookies by the Pound Sale. Cost is $10 a pound with proceeds to benefit their Jeffersonville Food Pantry. Also, from 10 a.m.  until 2 p.m. The White Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church is hosting The Christmas Bazaar & Bake Sale with handmade crafts and treats for the holidays. Lots of fun to be had by all! Located on Rt.52 at the United Methodist Church Social Hall in White Sulphur Springs.

I have not seen very many wild birds in the past couple of months and others have complained too. Now that the cold weather is upon us, wild birds are looking for food to survive the freezing weather with dwindling food sources. You can help save them with items you already have like oats, unsalted peanuts, cooked rice & even baked potatoes. I hate when the squirrels eat from my feeders but they are trying to survive too. I saw where you can get ground feeders for them, keeping them out of the bird feeder. Not sure if that will work but if they share the food with the birds, I am OK with offering them a lifeline. So far, I only see one….

Please shop local and support our small businesses!