20Democrat0324-30

BETHEL: The Corner Suzanne White 583-4808 swhite747@gmail.com

*Birthday wishes to Josh Cohen, Claire Catalanno, Murray Bresky, Jaed Altman, Art Charpentier, Karen Fisher, Gerry Dietz, Crosby Hughes, Allen and Ina Wakstein, Judy, Jenna and Bonnie.

Wellness wishes to Eileen, Jay, and John. Actually, at this time, let's have wellness wishes for all!

To do list: Be smart and be healthy. COVID-19, the coronavirus, has us self-quarantined and reminded to be vigilant about personal hygiene, cleanliness, and social contact. For those in need in Sullivan County, use 845-807-0925 for assistance. The Public Health hotline number is 845-292-5910. Reach out to Rep. Delgado through delgado.house.gov for crisis, agency, or small business aid. Use metzger@nysenate.gov or 292-0215 to contact the Senator's office. Cuomo's office: 518-474-8390.

As I write this, all of us should be acting as if we have tested positive for COVID-19 and behave accordingly. A few folks are able to work remotely, thank goodness. Some have closed their businesses, not going to school, not going to work or to elective appointments. We should have no plans for dining out, catching a movie, or attending an exhibit or a party. We should be practicing social distancing, proper hygiene, and surface disinfectant cleaning. By now, you should have basic essentials, medicines and foods stocked in the home. This ‘way of life' will save a life and in the scheme of things, it IS temporary. We are in this together. Some folks will fall ill and some, not survive it. It's sobering. Secondarily, we have to consider the loss of income and wonder how we'll make it. Some, although inconvenienced, have the comfort of money put aside for ‘a rainy day' (‘some rainy day this is!), but some do not and they are more anxious. The powers that be are trying to offer counters to offset bankruptcies, failed mortgages and lost wages. What about food supplies and medical fees or child care costs? How does a company lay off ten or more employees this week? Can we manage home-schooling? What is the emotional consequence?

If you are ‘home' this is not the time to busy yourself with shopping on line. Save that and start an online savings account instead. Catch up on communication with friends and family. Vent your feelings. Read. Binge watch that show. Play with the kids. Reorganize your closets and put donations aside for a later date delivery. Go for a walk. Bake. Pretend it's a hurricane, but you have utilities.

Send me your news two weeks in advance. Most events have been postponed or canceled altogether. Assume Bethel Parks & Rec activities are canceled until further notice. For Bethel Summer Camp Registration information, call 583-5360. For Bethel Tax Collection office hours and payment information, please call 5834350 x108. Summer job, CEAP and the ‘Save a Life' program applications are available at Town Hall. Sign up for a future ‘Nana's House Children's Free Trips' (eventbrite). Register for the May 12th ‘Allyson Whitney Foundation 5K' in Kauneonga Lake. Call 295-2445 or use sullivanrenaissance.org for Renaissance grant information and availability. Sign up to vend or volunteer at the June 21st Kauneonga Block Party (yanka2@aol.com).

Callicoon Theater posts “Closed” on their site. The Bethel Democratic Committee NY(FB) meeting for the 24th is canceled. NYS Maple Weekend for March 28-29 and the Bethel Smallwood Senior Meeting scheduled for April 1st are cancelled. The CRMC Birth and Baby Fest for April 26 is already cancelled. The DVAA hosted Jonathan Fox Salon Series show scheduled for the 28th, “Life in the Past Lane”, may be provided remotely. Check that out! Check ahead before visiting any area exhibit and arts centers. Creatively, for your listening pleasure, some local musicians are performing and posting on line (see ‘Bethel Lakeside Music' on Fb). I can't be firm on this, but the Catskill Distillery has ‘Singing Saturdays' from 2-5pm still posted on line.

Meanwhile, we can support our local restaurants and still enjoy prepared food. Until further notice, it may be an ‘Order and Pick Up or Delivery' situation. FYI: The Fat Lady Cafe and Benji & Jakes remain closed. Barrio Kitchen just closed. Local Table & Tap, open weekends, 583-3020. Sticky Fingers Delectables, open Wednesday to Sunday, 845-475-8900. Sorella is open everyday, 583-4300. Brother Bruno, everyday, 791-4600, and Papa Luke's, open everyday, but Sunday, 791-7272. Woodstock Oasis, open everyday until 7pm, 583-5500. The Bethel Market Cafe is open Thursday to Monday until 3pm, 583-3130. Annie's Ruff Cut, 932-5100.

Suz Sez, “Will you give up a month of gatherings to save your or someone else's life?”