Hello everyone, it's Fran DeFilippi Kurpil writing my last column for May 2021. I have to rave over this exceptional Spring awakening. The flowering trees and bushes are beyond beautiful and the views on my drive up the highway, with distant views is something I love. That is why I think the speed limit needs to be lowered, so I can observe a bit better. Anyone agree, or are we all speeding by?

St. Peter's Food Pantry and Clothes Closet: Updated hours of operation: Open every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 to 12. Go up the driveway next to the Rectory. They are set up outside, weather permitting, otherwise, use the gray door in the back of the old school building. Volunteers would be welcome.

Old Car Meeting: My neighbor, Carol Hook is happy that her old car friends will be meeting on Thursday's around six, behind Panda Parlor (now open). So if you love old cars, or have one, come and enjoy. I'm sure my Mike will be there. It is a big draw out in Colorado where he last lived. And Panda Parlor has a great menu, and those old-time treats…ice-cream-cones.

EEA Security Services: Jim Hopkins is glad to report that the Training Center is back to full operation. He is introducing a few new courses, AED/CPR, First Aid, Pepper Spray for Security Guards as well as for anyone who wants to carry it. ALSO...Hand Gun Safety Course as well as Defensive Driving Courses. Masks are not required, but wear one if you want. Jim Hopkins…is at EEA Security…Sullivan Ave. Liberty Mall. (845) 292-0999. We are lucky to have Jim's years of expertise readily available right here in Liberty. Latest word: Security guards needed...Call Jim.

TK Construction: Tom Katz: I recently saw one of Tom's trucks in town and remembered years ago when he had begun his business. I sold him a house with a big garage and he soon got started in construction. For us, he built a great front porch and some interior work. What was so exceptional about his work was his natural decorative talent. A closet door would not just be a flat door, he enhanced the look by adding framing that made it special. I had a small bedroom closet that extended back into the eaves. His ideas made a double folding door, a floor to ceiling row of shelves , a computer desk area and great use of what was wasted space. Since that time he has built many large, beautiful homes and is still going strong.

Volunteering: A great excerpt from Manor Ink...student driven local paper. “Are you looking for ways to help out in your community?” “Why not volunteer?” …Some ideas: Sullivan Rennaisance - planting, watering, garden maintenance (Ann Louise - (845) 295-2405). Sullivan SPCA - animal care, kennel maintenance (796-3120, or sullivanspca-1234@gmail.com).

Center For Workforce Development: This sounds great... Summer Youth Employment Program for 16 to 24 yr. old youth. Contact: Lyle Mincheff...(845) 796-8226 or Lyle.Mincheff@sullivanny.us I was amazed reading, We Offer: academic support, financial assistance, transportation, clothes, books, supplies, tuition. Talk to Lyle to clarify the help you may qualify for. Time to look forward to rewarding Summer months.

Golf Season: Now in full swing after a long, cold and windy Spring. This has been the latest Golf season opening in many years says Jeff Altbach who really enjoys the game. In the Town of Liberty, the Sullivan County Golf Club and Swan Lake Golf Course are hosting leagues, groups and individual play. Although maintained for the past four seasons, Grossingers Golf Course remains closed. Kutshers and the Concord are also unavailable for play. Others open, nearby golf courses are Tarry Brae and the Villa Roma in Callicoon. Good times await you on the links. Hit'em straight.

Supervisor DeMayo: There will be a Memorial Day Recognition on Monday, May 31 at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Cemetery on Cold Spring Road. Our keynote speaker will be John Liddle.

We are also scheduled to participate with other towns in the county, for National Trails Day activities, and will focus on clean-up on June 5th beginning at 10 a.m. at the trail-head by Cabernet Frank's. A leisurely day of walking the trail will follow on the 6th, all day. Come meet your neighbors during this live event. We will follow up with a major clean-up of Parksville Main Street area on June 9th as part of Sullivan Rennaisance Clean Sweep Program. Thanks so much to Sullivan Renaissance for putting this volunteer effort together.

Hello to Friends and Neighbors: I know I am close to home when I drive slowly down Kelly Ave. and hear, “hello, have a good day” from Ray as he waves from his porch, then a little further and I see Kathleen Wale Burkett holding her baby grandson. She is a busy Grandma as her son and family live next door with four little girls also. After months of being inside, I am so happy to hear these little neighbor kids playing outside on these beautiful days. Kathleen is part of the Kelly family and we have been life-long neighbors. Reminiscing the other day about old times brought back memories that we shared.

So…Enjoy the beautiful days, golf, hike, volunteer, spend time at Walnut Mt. Park or Hanofee Park or just enjoy a good book on your own patio.

Bye for now. Next column, Tuesday, June 8th. Remarks are welcome on e-mail.