March 10 – Most of my readers are aware that I am a JEMS member and we encourage everyone to join our group whether you are an adult or a child. We also encourage you to volunteer with your own community’s beautification group, helping to keep our Sullivan County at its best. The Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering a great opportunity where you can learn how to encourage kids to engage in gardening and the natural environment through plants that have interesting smells, tastes, looks or textures. To help community members in planning a kid-friendly sensory garden space, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County’s Horticulture Program Coordinator Katie Gasior will host an educational program through Zoom, on plants to foster a love of gardening in children. The program will take place on Tuesday, March 28th from 6 to 7p.m. Participants will learn about 16 different plants that encourage exploration of the outdoors and gardening in children.  We will discuss why kids love these plants, how to take care of them, and what environment they thrive in. There is no fee, but preregistration is required to participate. Visit http://sullivancce.org/events and select the Sensory Garden for Kids event to register. Those with related questions can email sullivan@cornell.edu or call 845-292-6180.

The Western Sullivan Public Library is offering NARCAN Training for the Public at their Jeffersonville Branch, Friday, March 31st at 3 p.m. This training will teach the public how to safely administer NARCAN, where you can obtain NARCAN, and how to detect an opioid overdose. For questions and to register,  call 845-482-4250 or email wsplprograms@rcls.org. Jeffersonville Library Hours: Tues, Wed: 10am - 8pm, Thurs, Fri: 10 - 6pm and Saturday: 10am - 2pm. 

Also, a Jeffersonville Book Discussion Friday, March 24th from 4-5p.m. at the WSPL Jeffersonville Branch.  Join the book discussion group and discuss Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.  Borrow the book from the library or the eBook or audiobook online via Libby.  Preregistration is required.

Barbara’s Bunch still has openings for an adventure getaway with the “Purple Moose Tour”, June 12th – 15th. You will stay at the White Mountain Hotel and Resort. Some highlights include a visit to Fadden’s General Store & Maple Operations, an evening Wildlife Presentation, tours, one being the Lupine Fields Photo stop where the annual blossoming of this captivating wildflower is a time honored tradition. A complete itinerary with departure information will be sent to everyone who signs up.  Barbara can be reached by calling 914-799-3362 or email barbarahahl@yahoo.com.Please LIKE Barbara’s Bunch Facebook page where you can watch for updates on trips!

Save the Date: Catskill Animal Rescue Inc.’s- Lost & Found Pets in Sullivan County is gearing up for their Annual Yard Sale on July 28th, 29th, and 30th. This amazing group works tirelessly to help animals in need, please stop in, find a “treasure” and donate to their worthy cause. Item drop off dates to follow – No clothes or books please. FMI: 845-747-9457 or email catskillanimalrescue@gmail.com. Donations are always gratefully accepted and can be mailed to Catskill Animal Rescue, Inc. P.O. Box 522, Liberty, NY 12754.