One of the things I really like about the Town of Highland is that there are hardworking, kind and caring people here who having struggled themselves will go to any lengths to help someone in need.

In many ways it's a relief being here to recharge my faith in people. Case in point was last Saturday's community dinner “Pasta with a Purpose” for Lenore Nizzico the longtime employee of Pecks Market who is undergoing her second reoccurrence of breast cancer.

Not all the fundraising numbers are available just yet, but the event volunteers turned out, cakes and cookies were freshly baked, and Lenore's friends and neighbors gathered and bought raffles tickets to hopefully win the over seventy-five hand crafted themed gift baskets that were available.

It was a wonderful event and in all five hundred dinners were sold. Even though the fundraising dinner was a success, the friends of Lenore are still looking for volunteers to sign up for the Meal Train - to cook a meal for the family and, if you are interested, you can find the Meal Train calendar for Lenore on Facebook.

Lenore is still undergoing her chemo treatments while working full time and, if you would like to donate, you can send it directly to Lenore at Post Office, Box 399 Glen Spey, New York 12737. Keep Strong Lenore!

St. Patrick's Day is coming up and I was so happy to see online that Larry Farmer, the owner of the Lawrence Lounge and Lodging in Yulan is working diligently to revive the “Unofficial” official Yulan St. Patrick's Day Parade.

When I first came to Highland some 25 years ago there was a very nice traditional St. Patrick's Day Parade. Many of the local companies made up floats and threw out candy to the onlookers, and there was a prize for the best float.

It wasn't an exceptionally long parade but at the Four Corners in Yulan, the Priest from St. Anthony's blessed the Parade and all the marchers and attendees! It was a lot of fun.

Unfortunately, the Parade came to a screeching halt when one of the revelers in lieu the more traditional facilities “relieved” himself on someone's lawn. That was a very long time ago so I'm hoping that the St. Patrick's Day Parade does make a comeback.

This year's Grand Marshall is Mike Frazier and Larry is now looking for floats banners, cheerleaders and marchers to participate so get your “green” going! The Parade with be held on Sunday March 15th and starts at noon in front of the Lawrence Lounge. For more information you can contact Larry at 845-557-6112.

Speaking of St. Patrick's Day as a mark your calendar event, The Yulan Fire Department's Annual St. Patrick's Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner will be held at the Fire House on Saturday, March 14th starting at 4:30p.m.

Tickets are available now from any member of the Department or at the door. They always sell out so get your tickets soon. More details to follow next week.