I did it! I got the Covid-19 shot. I was sitting at home minding my own business and the phone rang.

“Hello Eileen, this is Barbara Donatelli president of The Grover Hermann Auxiliary. I have good news for you. Garnet Health has the Covid-19 shots and they are offering them to the Auxiliary members. You're a member so you can get it”.

A million things were going through my head but what came out of my mouth was thank you for the call but no thank you. Barbara was not taking no for an answer. She tried to convince me a couple of different ways but my answer was still no.

About a half hour later my sister from Queens calls me so excited I thought she won the lottery, “I can get the shot, I am getting the shot! I go Saturday,” I said good for you, I just turned it down. “WHAT ARE YOU CRAZY.” I told her let me see how you do and then maybe. She was not happy with me and hung up.

That night I go to The Town of Cochecton reorganizational meeting. Dr. Paul Salzberg is on the town board and there were a few minutes before the meeting to talk. I went and told him, he was so happy for me. I told him I am not taking it. He told me he got it and his arm hurt a little. I cannot remember his exact words, something along the lines of yes, you are getting it, you qualify. Then he starting telling me that there are not that many shots around and when I decide to get it, it may not be available.

Friday morning I was getting dressed and was really thinking of not going, so to calm myself I went on facebook. I remembered my friend Jamie Meyer got it so I asked her a few questions, she put me at ease. On my way to the hospital I was thinking of ways I could get out of it, I was a nervous wreck.

So I prayed to my parents, my husband and the big man himself God. I was asking for a sign anything that would make me feel ok about getting it. I walked into the hospital and standing right in front of me was a man in a black shirt and a white collar. Yes, Pastor Chris. I said, “oh thank god you are my sign.”

He gave me a look like I was crazy and I told him my story. He said come on over and fill out this paper work, you will be just fine. When I handed Pastor Chris back the paper work, I looked him right in the eyes and said if I do not make it please be at my bed side and give me my last rights. We all had a good laugh.

I go into the room for the shot, more questions to answer. I had to have them take a photo so I could share with everyone. The needle did not hurt at all, 10 minutes after the shot I got really itchy eyes that only lasted about 5 minutes. I had the pleasure of meeting Justine Day in the waiting room, so I sat with her. I was fine and went home.

I had the Moderna COVID 19 vaccine. I have to go back on Feb. 5th for the second shot. The next day my arm did hurt and I had a sore throat, nothing bad. Let's hope it works.

I'd like to thank Rolland “Boomer” Bojo, the Administrator of The Grover Hermann Hospital, for setting this up for the auxiliary. All the people who checked me in, the nurses and the Dr. who was sitting right there who checked my eyes out. Pastor Chris sprayed all the chairs and wiped everything down to keep us safe.

2021 tax season is official. Tax bills are up and loaded on taxlookup.com. If the weather is bad, call first 845-932-8360 X 17. If you are paying in person you have to wear a mask, put your tax payment on my desk and wait in the hall. You must have the exact amount.

If you would like to pay online the link is webtownhall.com/onlinepaymentportalcochectonny/Home.aspx.

Keep smiling and wash your hands. Have a great week, you can e-mail me at leeniebeans@citlink.net or call 845-252-3568 if you have any news.