Happy New Year to the faithful readers of the Kenoza Lake news column. Glad to report that I had a relaxing Christmas holiday, taking off some time to recharge the batteries before the next tax season that is about to begin. The weather cooperated for the Christmas Eve candlelight service at the Kenoza Lake United Methodist Church, with close to 60 parishioners in attendance.

I understand that just like the end of calendar year 2018/beginning of 2019, the Kenoza Lake United Methodist Church bell was rung at midnight, by someone who wishes to remain anonymous. My alarm didn't go off at 11:50 p.m. and I regret to say that Ray and I missed the actual ball dropping. Here come the roaring 20s! Hard to believe that 20 years has passed since the Y2K mania.

My husband Ray and I hosted our annual family Christmas party on December 27th at our Pucky Huddle residence. Fortunately, the weather cooperated. My sister Ginny Davis and husband Mike and nephew Gordon Davis and wife Jenna motored from Philadelphia to attend the party. A good time was had by all.

The Davis family advised me that in Philadelphia, some folks bought live Christmas trees and were alarmed to find the dreadful invasive species called the Spotted Lanternfly.

The most recent edition of the New York State Farm Bureau publication entitled Grassroots states the following, on the front page article: “ The spotted lanternfly has devastated many vineyards in Pennsylvania and feeds on sap of more than 70 plant species including maples, apple trees, grapevines and hops”. The article discusses training dogs to help sniff out the Spotted Lanternfly.

I was delighted to see that one can now buy the locally produced and bottled A2 milk. My cousin Rianne Erlwein is one of our local farmers involved with this special type of milk. Peck's supermarket in Jeffersonville sells this milk in this cute plastic bottle, that looks like the old-fashioned glass quart milk container that the milkman used to deliver to the homes of folks. The A2 milk is produced 100% from Jersey cows (the breed and not the state) and does not have the A1 beat Casein protein. (Holstein cow produced milk has both the A1 and A2 proteins.) The Bethel milk is branded under the name of A2A2 and can be found at all four Peck's supermarkets.

I started my tax practice in February 2000 and shortly after starting the practice in my New York City apartment, I was introduced to the radio show, Imus in the Morning. I am one of those people who likes to work with the radio on. I spent years of the past 20 years, listening first to Imus in the Morning and then, to the Bernie and Sid show. So sad to hear that he passed away. I am so happy that the Bernie and Sid show continues to be broadcast on 77 WABC radio.

On a local note, I was sorry to learn of the tragic, Christmas Day car accident that killed Kenoza Lake resident William Brett. Although I didn't know him, I do know the person who was driving the car, Pat House, who is in serious condition and on last report, is hospitalized.

January preaching schedule, Kenoza Lake United Methodist Church: January 5th - Paul Thompson, January 12th Bud LeConey, January 19th, Paul Thompson and January 26th - Bud LeConey.

Christmas Eve morning, I heard a flock of Canada Geese flying south, high in the sky. Wow! I spoke with several other folks who told me that they too, saw some flocks of Canada Geese heading south. It seems a little late, but what a wonderful sight. Also, on Christmas Eve morning, I had two pairs of Eastern Bluebirds at the Otto residence birdbath. There were several branches of Winterberry near the birdbath. What a wonderful Christmas present to receive, a beautiful sighting of my favorite bird, the Eastern Bluebird.

The Jeffersonville bakery is finally open. I went there on Sunday and Monday and ran into lots of local folks, including JP Graham and Billy and Patti Fulton. Two thumbs up from all. I love cappuccino and the cappuccino is delicious! You must check it out.

Save the date: Ancient Order of Hibernians Sullivan Brothers fundraiser, Saturday, February 22nd from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Dutch's Tavern in Rock Hill.

January 6, 2020, Epiphany and the official end of Christmas and then and only then, do I start to take down the Christmas decorations. There will be no Kenoza Lake news next week. The next column will be January 17th.