July 27 – The Patriot’s celebration of America 250 was sure a great time in the Town of Highland. To my knowledge there has never been any type of community party in the Town of Eldred before but with many new and very popular businesses opening in the town, this was certainly a fantastic opportunity to hold a successful event. Our Town Supervisor John Pizzolato and his committee did an excellent job pulling all the plans together and our new acting chief constable Jason Sarnoff closed the Town to traffic so the crowds could wander around freely.

The best part was that after days of heavy rain, the weather cooperated with clears skies. There was an array of foods available at different locations. Nickki C’s Seafood had their fabulous lobster rolls and Oyster shots for sale at the Sunshine Hall Library – all of which sold out very quickly. Frank and Phylis Monteleone had the small café open in the Monteleone Gardens Plaza selling their very popular 4Grills Cider as well as hot dogs and sausage and peppers sandwiches which were delicious. Lou and June Monteleone at the Pizza Piazza were making oven fresh pizzas and had a snow cone stand, Italian ices and whipping up apple pie and ice cream side orders. Lou set up some inflatables and games in his Piazza yard for the kiddoes who had a great time playing. 

Another of the favorites for the kids was Ruth’s Consiglio’s fantastic Face Painting that had set up shop and was doing her wonderful painting designs which seemed evenly split between patriotic themes, superheroes, and a few World Cup designs- all free of charge thanks to the sponsors of the Party. Erika Schneider from the Town as the Planning and Zoning Board Office set up a table assisted by her family with a fantastic free Build a Wooden Toolbox project for the kids who were happily hammering away having a great time. At the EV charging station across from Town Hall there was a terrific classic car show on display.

As most of us know there is a new Japanese Restaurant opening Tokyo Drift 555 at the former location of Irene’s Diner next to Jeff Bank. The extensive gut renovations of the site are completed, and it is beautiful. For the Block Party they were serving Japanese Yakitori- which is chicken BBQ which I had, and it was wonderful. The very fabulous Nonna Hall at her Pottery Studio and Gallery had an American art show featuring local artists and an event tent outside. The tent had various programs, my favorite being the Basic Bitches Band from Barryville who brought the house down with an electrifying set followed by the Electric Chords Band. Only in the Town of Highland would John Conway the Sullivan County Historian successfully follow these two slamming bands.

The Sunshine Hall Free Library was open during the party, signing people up for library cards and sharing information about its upcoming Bake and Book Sale in August. On the deck, two live bands performed: Mike Edison and Heavy Friends, and the River Ramblers.

My favorite part of the Block Party was the dunk tank, which raised money for the Highland Ambulance Service. First in the tank was John Pizzolato, followed by former Town of Highland Constable and current Bethel Chief Constable Mark Anthony; both took a good soaking. My “victim” was Teddy Knuetter from the Code Office. Somehow, all three of my baseballs hit the target, sending Teddy into the water each time. When he climbed out of the tank, he asked for my address—but I wisely declined to give it to him!

As evening settled in, Frank Monteleone hosted the Little Big Band in his field next to Monteleone Gardens, along with DJ Donnie Devito. We enjoyed more hot dogs and watched a beautiful America 250 light show. Lou Monteleone then gathered about fifty of us for a Tribute to America display, a fitting close to the Eldred Block Party. It was a lovely day filled with food, fun, and entertainment for everyone who attended, and I left feeling that I had truly celebrated America.