The poisonous pall that drew its oddly beautiful tawny surplice over our heads last week has slipped back to the North this week leaving cleaner, moister air settling in over Mongaup Valley and Smallwood. What a relief! We who live in green realize on days like last Wednesday how lucky we have been (so far) as the planet heats up and the threat of enduring drought and wildfire spreads across much of the American South and West. With so many climatological changes occurring around us—to the North, to the South, to the West—ferocious winds, torrential rains, and prolonged drought may soon dominate American and Sullivan lives. We want our children to live in a world better than our own. Our wonted ways have failed and now bring orange skies to ourselves and our kids. And all we want, have ever wanted, is a rainbow and blue skies from now on!

With the approach of the year’s longest day next week, summer calendars are rapidly filling up with delightful events. Joan McDonald from The Club at Smallwood reached out to me to say that The Club’s season is about to swing into high gear. Time to be curious about that cozy and commodious-looking Clubhouse on Sargeant Brucher you’ve sped past so many times already. Joan reports that The Club is offering memberships for the first time ever to long term seasonal renters who rent in Smallwood from a Smallwood resident. (Sullivan County residents can always become a member.)

The Club is also again facilitating very well-attended activities: its Book Club, Water Aerobics in The Club’s spectacular and pristine 70’ heated swimming pool, painting with Adrienne, Canasta and Mahjongg Lessons, and the Mind-Body-Soul Discussion Group. Week-night activities planned will be the successful BYO Dinner by The Pool and movies. There’s even a very popular series of lectures on gardening, the American Justice System, and history. On July 14th, The Club is having an open Mic Night for you to showcase your particular talents (Singing, Guitar/Banjo playing, Poetry, Story Telling, Jokes). If you’re feeling the urge, Elana Fine (914)-843-7044 or Phyllis Gallo at (845)-807-3412 can get you into the spotlight!

On Saturday, July 15th, at 7:00 PM, The Club is having their first Fundraiser Dinner with live music from The Midnight Image Band. Good food, music, dancing, and endless laughter will be the order of the evening. This fundraiser will help The Club renovate their Pickle Ball Court and Children’s Playground. Most Saturday nights are filled with Live Music or a DJ and Dancing!

With so much fun to be scooped up during its ten-week season this year, what’s stopping you from joining merry mayhem? The Club is now accepting new seasonal memberships for the period beginning Saturday, June 24th through Labor Day. Membership dues are $350 per adult; children under 21 enter for free. Guests are $10 per person per visit. More membership information at: theclubatsmallwood.com. Or, send an email to theclubatsmallwood@gmail.com or call Joan McDonald (917)-620-8561 or Honey Cuozzi (561)-596-5926.