Birthday wishes to Rob Crawford, Emily Billig, Chloe Altman, Katie Chakar, Susan Harte, Tom Coleman, Ann Culligan, Carla Mansfield, Les Kristt, Marlo Motl, and my Fav, Logan White! Happy anniversary to the Colpoys and the Liffs.

Our condolences to the family and friends of Dr Herman Goldfarb.

Kudos to Josh Murphy - “7th Annual Murph's Toy Drive” at the Villa, to Lou Monteleone - “Santa's Express” for bringing joy to many communities this season and to Al Frangipane, featured as ‘you know who'! Thank you to the SC Federation and other church organizations for preparing holiday meals and bringing attention to the needs of our disadvantaged, hungry, and homeless. Thanks, also, to the volunteers and those who support these events.

To Do List: Send me your news! Check Bethel Parks & Rec and Rita's Town of Bethel newsletter for programs and current events. Mark your calendar and register for the Sullivan Renaissance 2020 grant season Winter Symposium on January 8th.

Pick up Bethel Lions' Lottery Tree tickets from a member or at Fox's.

Do local holiday shopping at ‘Industry', in2retro, Laughing Ladies, and the Country Bum'kin. Gift certificates from our artists, restaurants, retail or services are a great gift idea, too! The local restaurants want you to know they are open. Most have hours surrounding or on weekends and many feature local musicians. You can get information on facebook, websites or call ahead. Big Kev's and Benji & Jakes are closed until the spring.

Be a good neighbor: Donate clothing, personal items and food to local organizations serving our communities. Although the official ‘Nourish Your Neighbor' campaign may have ended, continue to drop donations at the MV Methodist Church or WL Presbyterian Church-Shepherd's Pantry. MV Church hosts their Free Pantry on the 21st, the third Saturday of every month.

Culture: Check Bethel Woods, the Museum, Stray Cat, BCA, NCA, SC Museum, Narrowsburg Union and area art organization's schedules. Shadowland's “It's a Wonderful Life” (647-5511) and DVAA's “Art in Sixes” show run until December 22nd. The NACL Deep Space artist residency application (nacl.org) deadline has been extended to the 29th. Purchase the Bethel Woods 2020 Lawn Pass before the 31st price increase.

Enjoy Wurtsboro Canal Towne's 7pm “Dance of the Lights” show until the 24th.

Callicoon Theater screens “Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker” on the 19th -23rd. Hurleyville Arts Centre offers the same on the 20-23rd. Crawford Library has a Family Movie on Saturdays at 1p.m.

Stop by Hector's Inn for Wednesday Wing Night at 5p.m.

Go for a ‘Paint & Sip' at Lazy Pond Bed & Breakfast on Friday, the 20th, at 6:30p.m. Visit the ‘Farmhouse Project Pop Up Shop' for local goodies in the Manor on the 20-22nd from 11-7p.m.

Reserve some time at RW Catskill's special Crystal Life ‘Spa Day' on Saturday, the 21st, from 9a-10pm. Apple Pond Farm hosts ‘Holiday on the Farm' on the 21st and 22nd from 11-12noon. RSVP 482-4764. The Winter Solstice arrives at 11:19pm on the 21st, marking the first day of Winter!

Reserve ahead for ‘Clay Menorah Making and Latke Party' at the Fat Lady on Sunday, the 22nd, at 12noon by calling 583-7133. There will be an Adult Xmas Party at Hector's Inn on Sunday at 3p.m. Marking the ‘Festival of Lights', the Bethel Menorah lighting will take place at the Veteran's Square in Kauneonga Lake on the 22nd at 4:30pm. “Kung Fu” performs in the Bethel Woods Events Gallery on Sunday night at 8pm.

The first ‘day' of Chanukah is the 23rd and the holiday is celebrated through nightfall on the 30th.

Suz sez,“Celebrate and savor the light”.