Happy birthday to June Barrett, Marlo Motl, Carol Dauch, Evelyn Brown, Claire Sullivan, Norb Skalski, Lori M Farina, Mary Mullen, Carole Levinson, Sebastian Pannullo, Barton Hindley and my fav, Logan White!

Winter begins on the 21st, Christmas is celebrated on the 25th and Kwanzaa starts the 26th. It's a time for giving, to feel joy and be happy and healthy. Best wishes to all!

Public Service & Covid alert: Masks work! Wear it. Get tested. It's good news that a vaccine will be available, but in the meantime, protect yourself with a flu and /or pneumonia shot. If you must travel, check area Health Department protocols.

Town of Bethel-583-4350. Community Assistance-807-0925. Public Health-292-5910. Mental Health-292-8770. Food Security: The area hunger and food issue is serious. Donations can be made directly to the pantries. Families rely on our local resources:

Shephard's Pantry-583-5885, 707-2333. MV Methodist Church-583-5149. SCFederation for the Homeless and Veteran's Pantry Service (Monti)-794-2604. Meals on Wheels- 807-0241.

Food benefit service applications: www.MyBenefits.

ny.gov or contact NOEP- Nutrition Outreach and Education Program at HV Community Services 845-842-1232. FYI: SCFH is hosting a free Christmas Eve Lunch ‘To Go' in Monticello on the 24th with Santa and music by Debbie Fisher from 12-1pm.

Contact 583-4350 about Bethel resident program applications: CEAP heat assistance or the ‘Save A Life' Program for free home smoke-CO2 alarm installation.

Business & To Do: Thanks go out to the Town Highway Dept, already proving their ‘stuff' during winter storm Gail! Kudos to Seven X Motors for planning and growing their business on 17B in Mongaup Valley! Congrats to Susan Harte for the ‘go ahead' for the residential Phase I development close to Duggan School.

Check Ora's Yoga classes (oraramat@gmail.com) and on-line programs at SC Cornell Cooperative, SUNY Sullivan, or Crawford Library (http://www.ebcpl.org. The Bethel Business Association is looking to grow their committees for 2021.

If interested, BBA members and new businesses are welcome to contact bethelnybba@gmail.com. Learn more about and help the SC SPCA. Join the facebook ‘Sullivan County SPCA Prize Wheel' site, running weekly fundraisers.

Drop by the Past Perfect Bookstore at Duggan Tuesday (10-4), Wednesday (10-1) and Thursday (1-4) for a good read. They're closed 24, 25, 31and 1/1. Venture out to the Wurtsboro Canal Towne Emporium Light show, synced to music, until the 24th at 7pm.

Culture: Drive through the Bethel Woods -SCVA “Peace, Love & Lights” light show until Jan 3rd from 5-10pm or ‘Walk through the Lights' earlier (4:30p) on Wednesdays to support Sullivan 180- local organization! Visit the Bethel Woods Museum. Info: 583-2000.

Before or after the Lights, you can find spirit and entertainment on weekends at the “Cat”-Catskill Distilling Co. Catch local musicians on you tube, fb, or web: Albi, Aerial Acoustics -The Wagners, Fisher & Kean, Laura Garone, Joanna Gass, Keith Newman, Shlomo Franklin, or Steve and Antoine. Please alert me of others to promote.

Support our artists and area art centers: CAS, DVAA, Farm Arts Collective, Forestburgh Playhouse, HPAC, NACL, Narrowsburg Union and SCDW. Catskill Art Society offers the Members Show through the 26th.

Attend DVAA's “Art in Sixes” small works exhibit until the 23rd (delawarevalleyartsalliance.org). The 508 artist's pieces may be purchased at exhibit's end (252-7576). Support the SCDW's annual fundraiser with a $10 Lottery ‘game ticket'. FMI: 807-7212.

“Support Local 845”: Purchase holiday gift certificates, shop or buy on-line from area businesses. Check the BBA www.bethelbusiness.com website business list. There are so many small businesses that need the boost!

Suz Sez,“I wish you a warm, wonderful, healthy, and joyous holiday season.”