Hello Everyone: It’s Fran De Filippi Kurpil enjoying the beautiful days here in my home town. I’m noticing my big maple trees are showing some red coloring on leaves that are fluttering to the ground. Yellow wildflowers are brightening the roadsides along our country roads which, as I’ve said before, I’d like the speed limit to be lower so I could enjoy all our gorgeous scenery. There is one big maple tree on the Kelly acres on California Ave. that will soon turn bright red, letting me know Autumn is here.

Liberty Unity Festival: Supervisor Frank DeMayo said there was a good turnout at this festival on Walnut Mountain in August, which he hopes will be an annual event. There was a booth set up for Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and folks participated in submitting ideas for use of the 10M award, if Liberty would win. The application is due September 15 and is almost complete. I’ll have to see those ideas. That is great.

We Can Never Forget: 9-11… A Special Ceremony was held at LaPolt Park in Liberty. A Moment Of Silence was held at 9:59 a.m., the time of the collapse of the first tower. May we all… Always Support Our Brave First Responders… That includes are local Police, our Fire-fighters and all those men and women who are there to help in times of crisis. We also need our Religious leaders for prayerful strength.

Liberty Rotary: A special award will be given to this amazing organization at the Annual Sullivan County Partnership meeting and dinner on October 6. It is the Walter Rhulen annual award. Rotary does so much for Liberty and beyond, and deserves our congratulations and sincere thanks.

Cold Spring Road Book Exchange: Martha Scoppa is a lover of books and so has installed a little road-side library in front of her house. I met her recently when I went to return a book and get another. She said this idea is active in some areas. I love it, as I’ve found several good mysteries that I have enjoyed. Thank you, Martha.

St. Peter’s Childrens Thrift Shop: I was chatting with Nancy and Roger Edwards who help at the shop that is up the driveway next to the church, in the former school. They are open every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 to 12 a.m. and Nancy was quite happy about the nice school clothes and winter items that are available for sale. They will also gladly accept children’s clothes to add to their inventory. If you have clothes, in good condition that your child has outgrown, please donate. Thank you.

Parksville: It is heart-warming to know that efforts promoted by Frank DeMayo and his Hamlet Plan have made a difference in Parksville. I heard from residents, Loretta Duarte and Harriet Dorfman who are very happy to be involved in whatever on-going help they, and others can do. This is a great happening: Todd Perlmutter has closed on the purchase of the Synagogue that has been unused for a long time. It will now be a not-for-profit Music and Arts Center. I see big changes ahead for this hamlet. My best.

Walking Trails: Our son Mike and his wife were raving the other day about the Trails and how they enjoy them. It is certainly a great idea, a healthy way to enjoy our beautiful area. Imagine the Autumn colors!! I’ll pass on thinking of the amazing white stuff for now.

KC Airport: Livingston Manor: A lot of recent excitement over the re-opening of the airport along the flats approaching the village. I noticed a new sign at the gate and it is great to see some activity. Clambake…on September 15th....vendors, live music…some great outdoor fun.

School is Open: Sounds like the answer to a prayer!! I’ll have to get down to Main Street and enjoy watching Harriet as she leads our little ones into school safely. She also thanks our local Police for their help. Our parents are so thankful for this love and attention.

Pharmacists: Special Thanks at this very edgy time to these devoted professionals. I know, first hand, that they get thousands of phone messages as people worry about Covid-19. Their efforts are saving many, many lives by giving the vaccination. So, patience and appreciation are needed.

Bye for now. My next column will be out on Sept 28. I’m happy to include announcements by e-mail. Stay Safe.