December 17 – I want to share some information I received from Jim Caruso (thank you, Jim) from Youngsville concerning the information I shared in last week’s column. Adding salt to the water you place outside for the wildlife can cause kidney damage to squirrels! Their kidneys cannot process high levels of salt, which can lead to dehydration, kidney failure, and even death. They can tolerate and enjoy unsalted raw or roasted nuts and, of course, fresh water.

Mark your calendars! The Villa Roma will be ready for you and your family, get out and ski on December 26 with special pricing available for full time residents of Sullivan County – low cost of $25 lift ticket and $25 rental! 

The Myers Century Farm (located at 112 Earl Myers Rd., Jeffersonville) is once again hosting a Live Nativity on the Farm to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Join them on December 23 from 5-7 p.m. (weather permitting) and dress warm as it is an outdoor event. Walk through the barns and meet all the animals, look at their new processing room, and grab a hot cup of chocolate while you enjoy the awe and wonder of the Christmas season!

Thank you to the Sullivan West Student Council members that assisted with unloading the Wreaths Across America truck at the Hortonville Firehouse ahead of wreath placement. Also, thanks to the Small Town Country 4-H group for participating in the Wreaths Across America Ceremony, leading the pledge of allegiance and placing wreaths in the cemeteries. They honored each Veteran by saying their name before placing their wreath. Some beautiful pictures of both groups on Facebook.

A friend of mine sent me a letter from Michael G. Moskow, who is researching about American servicemen from WWII. He would like more information about Army Air Force 2^nd Lt. Abraham I. Gottlieb that served as a P-47 Thunderbolt fighter pilot in the 27^th Fighter Group of the 12^th Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater of War. He was shot down by anti-aircraft fire during a combat mission on June 6, 1944, parachuting and landing near Rome and returning to his squadron a few days later. He resumed flying, survived the war, and returned home. His parents were William F. and Mollie Gottleib, and his sisters Hattie and Helen. They lived on Route 4 in Youngsville with Abraham passing away in October 1998. If you have any information, newspaper clippings, or photos, please contact Michael at monhegan12@hotmail.com or steelydanman@verizon.net.

Please do not throw away your blankets, sheets, and bath towels-take them to an animal shelter to help them keep warm and rescue/adopt/foster a furry baby if you can…

If you cannot bring your pets inside now that the weather is getting colder, use straw in their outdoor cat/dog shelters. Straw is one of the best insulators – it reflects body heat back to your pet, repels moisture, and keeps everything dry and warm.  

I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas & Healthy, Happy New Year too!