The summer barbeque season for our local organizations is in full swing. Par for the course I almost missed the Lumberland Fire Department’s barbeque which is one of my favorites and always sells out because I was late getting my tickets-but at the last minute I got them-but only because the Fire Department bought an additional one hundred chickens to grill. It was a great meal and we were happy to support the Fire Department. The next barbeque coming up is on Sunday August 6th and is the annual summer barbeque at St Anthony’s Church in Yulan. The BBQ is one of the Parish’s signature events and will take place from Noon to 5:00p.m. In addition to some perfectly cooked chicken (thanks to the hard work of the Parish’s Knights of Columbus) there will be corn, cold slaw, potato salad, homemade desserts, and assorted beverages. There will also be raffle baskets, door prizes, 50/50 and games for the children and live DJ music. The Parish has a very large and comfortable onsite covered pavilion located behind the Church, so our very unpredictable weather will not be a factor in enjoying the BBQ and having a fun time with your neighbors. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $7.00 for kids and take-out orders will be available. Tickets are available in the lobby of the Church after Mass, or you can contact the Rectory at 845-456-0404 or buy your tickets at the door on the day of the barbeque. St Anthonys Church is located at 25 Beaver Brook Road in Yulan, and everyone is welcome.

The Barryville Farmers Market has had a pretty impressive list of free public programs this Summer- called “Back to the Garden” which actually takes place in the Markets Garden space, and they have been hosting a bunch of diverse activities such as John Conway our Sullivan County Historian giving a presentation about the Declaration of Independence in the Upper Delaware, Laura Chavez Silverman from the Outside Institute to games, crafts and a variety of projects for the kiddos. Last Saturday, Mike Edison, who is in charge of planning all of these fun events told me that “we have been partnering with great local people, there is so much talent here and folks here have so much to offer”. Since it has been blazing hot and humid- through the kind generosity of Pastor Dave Lehmkuhl - the Chair Yoga class was blessedly invited to move into the air-conditioned church. Led by yoga teacher Rebecca DeRosa, the class was about an hour long and included participants of all levels. I was very accomplished at sitting on the chair but do not be fooled into thinking that Chair Yoga is easy. It was gentle but effective at improving flexibility, strength, balance and very relaxing to boot-and do not be fooled into thinking it is not exercise. Afterwards I felt great and would definitely take another Chair Yoga class. Rebecca DeRosa teaches yoga and meditation practices at the Chi Hive Gym and Wellness Space on Main Street in Narrowsburg (check their website for the schedules) and at the Callicoon Youth Center on Thursdays at 1pm. For more information about chair yoga and Rebecca DeRosa go to rebeccaderosayoga.com 

Next Saturday the “Back to the Garden” Programs will feature Patty Kennedy, the Director of the Sunshine Hall Free Library, with a Down on the Farm themed story time, a sing along and a farm animals puppet making craft. For more information go to the Barryville Farmers Market-Back To The Garden site on Facebook.