Hello Again: It's Fran. For those thinking of moving South....OMG, I'd have to be inside in the AC all day. At least we have been able to sit outside in the shade and get a little breeze. My birdbath has been a delight to watch. (real entertainment for old folks) A family of finches takes turns with their baths, not quick dips. They splash, and one waits for the other to finish. Their singing goes on and on.

Town: In spite of the Covid shutdown, John Liddle gave me a positive update. He is Deputy County Manager as well as Social Services Commissioner and hopes to get them better organized. I know the Staff there works very hard and certainly need this help and cooperation. He is also concerned with affordable housing and caring for children and families hit by the pandemic.

Village: Thinking about the positives: What a beautiful new housing complex on Chestnut Street. They are presently renting. Good news also, the new Laundromat on North Main, across from the elementary school is almost done. The Mini-Market has relocated to the old bank which also has the Art Gallery and professional offices. No stopping Kyle Goldstein and his Yoga Studio on South Main next to the Museum. He is holding out-door classes. I wonder if those classes would help energy for an old person?

Village Board Meeting: I am in touch with Jim Gordon who attends the meetings. He reports that LED lights in yellow will be the choice. Also, David Ohman from Delaware Engineering will give a quote at the next meeting on upgrading the water and sewer lines for the Village which badly need attention. Most likely there will need to be a raise in the water rate. STAY TUNED...Village elections coming on September 15. I will get more on that. I believe there are two openings. Thank you Jim for helping me with these updates.

The Spanish Mansion: When I read that this property on Chestnut Street was being saved by Renaissance and the Land Bank, I was very interested. My first concern was that there was no mention of the historical name. I'm sure other older folks remember it as the Yeager Mansion.

The Yeager Mansion: I was able to get some facts from the family. Paula Yeager, my former Broker, was married to Danny Yeager whose father, Ben Yeager, built the mansion in the early 30's. Ben traveled to Europe often and was fascinated with the beauty of Spanish architecture and that was his inspiration. Paula told me there was an indoor pool and a huge ballroom where Danny's sister, Florence was married. When I also spoke to Danny Yeager's nephew, Philip Kobrin, he told me that his Mom, Florence was married in the ballroom in the 50's. The pool was full of rose petals. The mansion was furnished in part with furniture, chandeliers, mirrors, etc. obtained through Ben's trips to Europe. I thank Paula and Phil for this history and I hope some kind of marker will remain. I will try to keep abreast of future plans and other stories about its past. I'm sure there would be great interest in old pictures.

Yester-Years: The summer baseball games at the elementary field were always such fun for the players, and the cheering friends. I heard the plan was to have them again this year, until the virus cancelled it all. I'm sure those players will keep that spark in mind and it will not be a forgotten.

Losing Loved Ones: My brother-in-law Peter Kurpil, a beloved Uncle to our kids, recently joined his wife, Ann, in their journey to the Lord. Not being able to visit him in the nursing home was heart-breaking. RIP, Peter and Ann. Also, a dear friend, Sylvia Crowley recently went home to the Lord. Sylvia and Roberta Gieger will always be close to my heart because they never forgot our Sammie when he was sick. Their cards always cheered him in his struggle with M.S. He waited for that mail. I have to think of a smiling face right now, and dry the tears. Robert Friedland was a forever friend, from being a neighbor… through the years never forgetting to visit Sammie in the hospital… I was in a store a while back and the jewelry counter had necklaces, bracelets all saying BFF. I had no idea what that was. Now I know.

Farm Markets: Don't forget to get your fresh vegetables at Creekside Park on Friday. Tom and Jen Diehl have been setting up their market at Waterwheel Junction in Livingston Manor on weekends.

Thank God for our farmers. God bless us all.

Till next time. I'm glad to get feedback or suggestions.