Well, we made it- the summer is just around the corner and the kids are super excited with the end of school. The elementary school is in its last few days and the Middle School/High School are in the midst of Regents testing. The sweet smell of summer is in the air!

Here are some events happening in our communities and beyond:

Woody the Bear, a beloved symbol of the Cochecton Preservation Society since 1997, is retiring from his post at the Erie Depot on Route 97. Carved by Dick Guttzeit in honor of Melvin “Moppy” Pierce, Woody has stood strong through the years, but now his successor has arrived! A retirement party will be announced once the new bear is installed—but first, it needs a name.

Community members are invited to submit name suggestions by mail, with each entry also earning a chance to win a commemorative t-shirt honoring Woody’s legacy. The winning name will be announced at the CPS meeting on August 5th at 7 p.m. at 8537 State Route 97, Cochecton, NY, where shirts will also be available for sale. Don’t miss your last chance to see Woody before he officially steps aside! --

Please join us for a Lake Huntington Fire Company Fundraiser on Sunday, June 22nd from Noon – 4 PM at the Cochecton Fire Station. The firetrucks will be onsite and fun for the whole family! Free soda or egg cream for the kids and specialty cocktails available with tasting by Pollinator Spirits. See you there and lets support our volunteers.

Jasmine Green Drive Out Cancer Tournament on August 2nd at the Villa Roma. Be a sponsor or register a team for this special event to support a local Sullivan West alumni. Please contact Will O’Brien at 845-807-3397 or wobrein@villaroma.com for more information. A second event that evening is Jammin for Jasmine happening right after the golf tournament at the Villa Roma Clubhouse with drink specials and DJ Joey C. There will be raffles and a 50/50. Admission is by donation.

If you have a local business that would like to be spotlighted in an upcoming column, please get in touch! Please email jenn@jennpowelldesigns.com with any news, events, and happenings.