I’m not a meteorologist, but to me all signs point to a miserable sloppy winter, so I’m doing my best to finish my house chores and prepare. There are still a few events happening beforehand.

On the 31^st it will be the last Barryville Farmer’s Market of the season and the Market will be holding their Halloween & Harvest Festival with their annual Chili Contest, Best Costume Contests for Kids and Pets, the Halloween Parade and the Trunk and Treat at the Cul de Sac and a dance party with live music by the Jeiris Cook Band. Also, it is the last day for the marvelous Barryville United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop where I have scored some great finds this year, including L.L. Bean clothing with the tags still on.

AARP is sponsoring a Safe Driver Course to help participants refresh their driving skills, learn about new traffic laws, and review safety tips. I found the course extremely helpful, and completing it reduced my car insurance rate for five years. The class will be held November 7^th at the Highland Senior and Community Center and is limited to 20 participants. The cost is $25 for AARP members and $30 for nonmembers. To register, call 845-557-8519.

A new phenomenon I have noticed is that there are now two different Men’s Groups happening in Highland. One is a Bible study and support group that meets at the Sunshine Hall Library after hours and has been ongoing for several years. Pastor Charles Perez has also sponsored a men’s group for several years through his Church, The Barryville Community Church in Barryville. It’s an open discussion of issues affecting men and is open to the community at large and is not religiously based. Called the Men’s Group Gathering is hosted at the Hamlet Dream Inn’s new Park and it features casual conversations around the Park’s fire pit. For more information go to barryvillecommunitychurch.com.

The Town of Highland Constable Service is now operating and conducting patrols throughout town. It has state-of-the-art equipment and impressive vehicles. Unlike the former service, all of the four newly hired constables are current or retired police officers—not corrections staff—with years of patrol experience. Each has been fully vetted and certified. Congratulations to the new constables and the Highland Town Board for getting the service up and running.

Early voting in New York State runs from Saturday, October 24^th, through Sunday, November 1^st. The local early-voting site is in the lobby of the Sullivan County Government Center at 100 North Street in Monticello. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on most days, with extended hours from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27^th, and Thursday, October 29^th. Voting early may help you avoid the long lines expected on Election Day, November 3^rd. The deadline to register for voting in New York State is Saturday, October 24^th. By then, the Sullivan County Board of Elections must receive your registration by mail or online. If you have not voted recently and are unsure of your registration status, check voterlookup.elections.ny.gov. Early voting at the Government Center also offers the advantage of shorter lines—and afterward, you can stop at Albella Restaurant for lunch or an early-dinner special. Whatever you choose, be sure to vote!