HELLO from Fran DeFilippi Kurpil. With all the edgy world news, and international issues, I think our local area was spared truly bad storm damage in the last few days. In fact, the days were so pleasant that I had a great chat with some neighbors who were strolling on Cold Spring Road. Mary Morana was doing a health-hike up California Ave. and Sue Grund Levy was walking her little dog. Sue has sold and said she has been on California Ave. for sixty years. Yes, a long-time neighbor whose son, Herb grew up with our kids. He is living in Texas now.

WHAT A SURPRISE: to see Kathleen Wale Birkett, our forever neighbor, walking with her cousins, Peggy Kelly Osterhoudt (from Idaho) and Deb Hamlin Moerner (from Florida). Peggy's Dad was Mike Kelly and Carl Hamlin was Deb's Dad. All these folks were the roots of our neighborhood and our unforgettable memories. Kathleen said the family had gathered with cousins, Terry Kelly, Eileen Kelly Fletcher, Barbara Hamlin Struna, Clifford Hamlin and Kelly Hamlin. Long live dear Poppy Kelly's legacy.  

LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSION: I contacted Sharon Cron after seeing a sign outside the Church. She told me that during Summer months and through the end of September they give out free bagged lunches every Wednesday between 11:30 and 12:30. They have also given toothpaste, toilet paper, socks, shampoo, rain ponchos & other items. Starting in October they will have sit-down dinners of salad, main course and dessert on Wednesday nights starting at 5:30. Different local organizations helping this to happen are Rotary, Catholic Daughters, White Sulphur Springs Methodist Church, Munson & Liberty Diners. I'm imagining all the hard work involved and I told Sharon, it takes a leader. Thank you, Sharon Cron.

ANNUAL YARD AND BAKE SALE: At Lutheran Church, Chestnut Street. Friday, September 3rd and Saturday, September 4th. Sharon said they have a great amount of items to sell including furniture, household goods, kids toys, dishes, linens, outdoor furniture all bargain prices to help with their great out-reach to local people.

SOCCER GAMES: Chatting with my grandson, ten year old Garrett Diehl, I didn't hear a lot about starting school, but I got his soccer game schedule. The first game is Sunday, September 12 @ 2:45 at the Callicoon Center Field. It is a good feeling to know the kids are getting a new year going, meeting with friends and getting back to a normal routine with sports.