If you read this newspaper and if you are a reader of this column, you will have noticed that I haven’t been contributing as much lately to the Sullivan County Democrat. As most readers probably are aware, I own Sticky Fingers Delectables over in Kauneonga Lake (right across from the new Greek seafood restaurant, “Santorini”). July and August are the busiest months of my year and I am working seven days a week, often sixteen hours a day. The pace is relentless and unremitting and rewarding—”high season” for ice cream only lasts from July 1st through Labor Day—and already the end of the season is hawling into sight! 

My inability to write more is more the shame, actually, because at this time of year Smallwood and Mongaup Valley—in fact the whole of Sullivan County—are at their most vibrant and there’s lots to tell and write about. This weekend—following last weekend’s Smallwood Civic Association (SWCA) Karaoke Night and Arts and Crafts Fair--there is lots going on in Smallwood. SWCA Board Member Terry Gedan, for example, is holding free Tai Chi classes every Saturday morning on the Beach at 9:00 AM (this Saturday excepted because of the General Membership Meeting—see below). Former Smallwoodian Leah Maidenbaum, owner of the Lakeside Pilates Studio in Kauneonga Lake, will likewise be hosting Pilates classes at the SWCA Lodge every Saturday at 10:00 AM. The drop-in cost is $25/class, waived if you have a season pass.

In the same “let’s stretch out all those tight muscles” vein, SWCA Member Cat Garlo has started up her weekly yoga program at the SWCA Lodge (Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m). If you have not purchased a season pass, the drop-in cost is $25/class.

The rather rainy, smokey and cold weather of the past 90 days has compressed the experience of summer this year; it almost feels as if summer still lies ahead of us. Time to throw a big party! This coming Saturday, August 5th, is “Smallwood Day,” the summer party everyone always waits for. For SWCA members, their guests and friends living in Smallwood, the party will be on the Beach (bonfire blazing, pit master Paul Martin grilling BBQ classics, live music provided by Smallwoodian musician and songwriter Steve Mayone). As part of the evening’s festivities, the Smallwood Youth Association (SYE) will be selling their “Sweets on the Beach,” specially baked goods sold in support of future SYE programming and events. Baked good donations are welcome and you can contact smallwoodyouth@gmail.com if you’d like to contribute!

Finally, also on Saturday, August 5th at 10:00 AM at The Lodge and via Zoom, the SWCA will be holding the third of its four summer Annual Meetings. This meeting is especially important as a vote will be taken on the much-discussed proposed amendments regarding use of SWCA facilities by non-member renters. Bring your Membership card, and hope to see you there!