Birthday wishes to Marie Smith, James Loney, John Ferrara, Noah Regan, Antoine Magliano, Barbara Garigliano, Mario Pannullo, Tom Morse, Jen Metzger, Henri Shawn, Amy Goodstein, Danielle Stratton, Kathy Bunce and Linda Charpentier.

Anniversary wishes to Gentjana and Albi Beluli.  

Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Flora Armstead.

Kudos to the White Lake Fire Co, the sponsors and those who participated in the inaugural SCAlzheimer’s ‘Freeze for the Cure’ fundraiser on the 21st and made it a success! 

PSA: Vax information: 800-232-0233 or vaccines.gov. SC Health: 845-292-5910. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or 800-273-8255. Overdose/Narcan Help: 911 or 866-832-5575.

Bethel News: Register and check Parks & Rec events using bethelparksandrec@gmail.com. Use: www.townofbethelny.us for Town information.

There is local interest in the Planning Board’s re-approval of the 17B White Lake Mansion site application. The PB meets on the first Monday of the month (IP only). The Bethel Town Board meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday (IP or zoom).

Bethel residents can apply for CEAP by calling 845-583-4350.

Shephard’s Pantry accepts food donations all year and hosts pantry on the 2nd and 4th Thursday. FMI: 845-583-5885. SCFH’s (Monticello) program includes Veteran’s pantry: 845-794-2604. Meals on Wheels (SCOA): 845-807-0241. Business Watch: Shop local. Support surrounding area BBA member and Bethel businesses. Consider joining the Bethel Business Association when the ‘23 membership campaign begins.

Take advantage of Valley Daycare’s ‘February Friday Evening Childcare’, every Friday from 6-9:30pm (845-250-4110). Pre-order ‘Super Bowl Specials’ from Woodstock Oasis now (845-583-5500).

Save the date: Sponsor and register for the SC Conservation Club’s ‘23 King of the Ice’, held on White Lake on February 19th. Use: www.sullivancountyconservationclub.org. Don’t forget to support the 45th annual 98.3 WSULHeart-A-Thon on February 17th. It will be held live at the Resorts World Catskills Epicenter from 6am to 6pm along with the Rotary Blood Drive that starts at noon (prior sign-up 800-933-2566). Donate now by purchasing a ‘Heart’ or call in/pledge day of event. 

Enjoy the season!  Hike or snowshoe the trails at Forest Reserve at Smallwood. Inquire about what discounts and group rates Bethel Parks and Rec Winter Ski Program offers at Big Bear. 

Delaware Highlands Conservancy offers volunteers at Eagle Watch Observation Areas every weekend in February to view and learn about eagles in their habitat (845-583-1010, 570-266-3164 or delawarehighlands.org). Also, the DHC Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake, PA offers 144 acres with 3miles of well-marked trails for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (no pets permitted). 

Try the activities at Holiday Mountain Ski & Fun Park. Tube, ski, snowboard or join the ski school. Check out ‘Thursday Night Lights’ specials (845-796-3161). MontiCSD students can apply for the free Thompson Youth Program   (www.townofthompson.com/youthprogram).

Bethel property taxes are due on January 31st (first installment or in-full). Pay in person or at www.taxLookup.net.

Celebrate Black History Month every day in February and Ground Hog Day for one day on Wednesday.                            Attend Bethel Woods Volunteer Open House virtually on Wednesday, the 1st, at 6pm. Pre-register on-line for link. Exercise at ‘Dance It Off’ on Thursdays in the Duggan gym at 4:30pm. Something new, a ‘Wintry Community Song Circle’ will be offered at the Gazebo at the Smallwood Reserve on the 2nd at 11am and again on the 8th at Kauneonga Lake Community Park Gazebo at 11am (rsvp to sangha.birds@gmail.com). 

Attend the local SC Lake Superior Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday, the 4th, from 6a-2pm/ Registration at 5am. FMI: 845-978-6161 (pre reg with Venmo@Bryan-Maida) $30 A/15child. Win prizes and up to $1500! Enjoy a group activity, ‘Hand Knit Scarf with Katie’, at Hector’s Inn on Saturday at 1pm. (rsvp asap for materials) 845-583-9740. 

Note: The Neversink ‘Winterfest 23’ scheduled for the 4th has been canceled.

Attend BP&Rec ‘Snow Fun Day’ on the 5th with sledding and cocoa at Lake Superior Park (if snow) at 2pm. Hector’s Inn offers a ‘Sunday Funday’ with a ‘Wild West Day’ theme, beginning at 3pm. 

The Planning Board meets Monday at Duggan at 7:30pm with a workshop before at 7pm.

Arts & Culture: Bethelwoodscenter.org, Catskillartsociety.org, Cobaltstudios.net, Delawarehighlands.org, Delawarevalleyartsalliance.org, www.ebcpl.org, Hurleyvilleartscentre.org, Narrowsburgunion.com, Nesinculturalarts.org, sccoplayers.org, scdw.net, and scnyhistory.org.

Look forward to Bethel Woods’ ‘23 season and purchase 2023 Memberships or the Season Lawn Pass. Some concerts and events from March to September have been announced. Check the calendar for winter Art and Wellness classes. 

The Narrowsburg Union hosts the Bethel Council of the Arts group Art Exhibit, ‘Exploring Worlds of Dreams, Fantasies and Symbolic Imagery’ through March 4th.

Register for Cobalt Studios programs. Historical Scene Painting and the ‘Antifreakout Job Market Round-table’ are on the agenda (845-583-7025). Suz sez, “Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? Let’s hope not.”