Last week of December in Lake Huntington always feels like a little pause between chapters—Christmas decorations still glowing in windows, leftover cookies somehow still appearing on kitchen counters, and that quiet hush that settles in after the rush. With the year winding down, it’s a good time to look back at the moments that made our community feel connected, and to glance ahead at what’s coming in the new year—without needing to sprint into it.

Here are some events happening in our community and beyond:

Cochecton Youth Commission (CYC) is heading to Camelback Resort for an overnight trip over Presidents Day weekend, taking place Sunday, February 15 through Monday, February 16, at Camelback Resort, 193 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA. Sign-ups for this event are in-person only on January 12 from 6–7 p.m. at the lower level of the Cochecton Town Hall; all payments are due at sign-up, exact cash only, and registration will close promptly at 7 p.m. Room options include a Double Queen room for $239 (up to four guests) or a King bunk room for $259 (up to five guests), plus a $49.99 per room resort fee. Admission to Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark for both days is included with the room, and CYC will contribute $25 per Cochecton Youth per room. On Monday, February 16, participants may choose to ski, snowboard, or snow tube. Lift tickets and rentals are fully covered for all Cochecton Youth, while adult pricing is $45 for a lift ticket and $40 for rentals; snow tubing is $5 off the retail rate (prices vary—see photo in comments). For snow tubing, children 33–43 inches must ride with a partner, and those 44 inches and taller may ride solo. Additional activities may be purchased at the group rate by contacting April for details, and meal vouchers are also available at group rates, including the breakfast buffet for $22, burgers and more for $16.50, and Camello’s for $16.50. For questions or if you are unable to attend the sign-up but would like to participate, please text April at 845-701-2530 prior to January 12 so arrangements can be made. This program is funded by the County of Sullivan and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services through the Sullivan County Youth Bureau.

The Smugglers Nob Rod & Gun Club will host its Annual Youth Ice Fishing Tournament on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mitchell Pond in Cochecton, New York. Held in memory of Gerald “Jerry” Bruce Sheppard, this event invites families to bring kids out for a fun-filled day on the ice. All children fish for free and will receive food and beverages, with additional food and drinks available for purchase for adults. Every participating child is eligible for prizes. Fishing regulations will follow NYSDEC guidelines, and access to the pond will be at 175 Mitchell Pond West Road. Transportation to the fishing area will be provided by club members, and no outside ATVs or UTVs are permitted. Registration will take place upon entry. For more information, attendees can contact Harold “Boomer” Russell at (845) 583-6602 or Kevin Esselman at (845) 932-7829.

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. You can also find me online at https://rustic-road.com/