The JEMS (Jeffersonville Enhances More of Sullivan) beautification group is busily working on the Annual Duck Race. The race begins at the Mill Pond (across from the Jeff Adult Home in Jeffersonville) and ends at the Schadt Memorial Bridge on Saturday, September 17 at 3 p.m. Duck race tickets are on sale, currently available at The Secret Garden Gift Shop (located at 4917 State Route 52, Jeffersonville) with proceeds used for the benefit of community improvements. There are four winners: 1st Prize is $300, 2nd Prize is $200, 3rd Prize is $100 with the last “Pokey Duck” paying $50. Please buy a ticket or tickets and help with the beautification of our town and surrounding area and enjoy a fun-filled family day!

Nine-year-old Ella Ahnstrom, the daughter of Jason and Sandy (and my beautiful granddaughter) came to me, telling me she wanted to sell some of her handmade bracelets to raise money for her favorite charity and also her great-grandmother (Gigi) Lori Gempler’s, “St. Jude.” Of course I said yes, and they are now on sale at The Secret Garden selling for $1 (and $2 if there is a charm on it). All proceeds will go to St. Jude’s, as her parents are taking care of the cost of materials. Today I had a very special young lady named “Ava” come in to the shop and even though she also makes the same type of bracelet, she bought a couple, giving much more than they cost, for her donation to this wonderful charity. Just when we all wonder and sometimes complain about the way our world is heading, someone who is kind and really cares about others makes everything better. Thank you Ava!

Learn more about the many programs the Office for the Aging offers in Sullivan County. From the Senior Nutrition Program to the Expanded In-home Services for Elderly Program and Retired Senior Volunteer Program, these are just a few of the many services you can learn about at the Western Sullivan Public Library on Tuesday, July 19, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Jeffersonville Branch. Join them for coffee, tea and treats and learn more about how the Office for the Aging can help you or a loved one. No registration necessary.

Then on Tuesday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. John Conway presents Silver Age: Railroads, Hotels and Sanitariums. Registration requested. Join Sullivan County Historian John Conway for a special presentation about The Silver Age in Sullivan County in the late 19th and early 20th century. Learn about the summer resort industry in our area during that time.

Finally, mark your calendars! This year's Firehouse Book Sale in Jeffersonville is set for August 4, 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Stop by and browse thousands of gently used books and other items. Saturday is bag day. Fill a bag for $2. Interested in helping out? Volunteers are needed for set up, during the book sale and clean up. Call the library in Jeffersonville at 845-482-4350 to sign up for a timeslot.

Please let me know if you have any news to share!