It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of April, yet it still feels like winter just doesn’t want to let go. The mornings have that lingering chill, and more than a few of us are still reaching for an extra layer before heading out the door. Still, there’s a quiet sense of anticipation in the air; garden beds waiting to be turned, seed packets ready on the kitchen counter, and the promise of warmer days just around the corner. Before long, we’ll be trading boots for muddy shoes and finally getting our hands back in the soil.

Here are some events happening in our community and beyond:

Save the date! The Lake Huntington Presbyterian Church will host a Penny Social on Saturday, May 2. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with calling beginning at 12:30 p.m. Enjoy hot dogs, chips, and soda available for purchase, along with many great prizes and raffles. It’s sure to be a fun event for all!

Save the date for another Town of Cochecton special event on Sunday, May 3 at 1 p.m., when the Town of Cochecton will open its 1976 time capsule. This exciting event will also take place in the lower level of the Cochecton Town Hall, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The DVAA and the Arts Nest will host a special two-day celebration of creativity and connection on April 18–19, inviting the community to experience a weekend centered on hope, storytelling, and shared human experience. On Saturday, April 18, Dr. Hope Blecher will lead Iterations of Hope, an interactive art installation and workshop where participants can create or contribute a two-dimensional piece representing their personal vision of hope, all coming together as a collaborative community collage. 

The weekend continues on Sunday, April 19 at 2:00 p.m. with BEING SOMEBODY, a heartfelt and uplifting theatrical performance directed by Elizabeth Browning and featuring Dr. Howard Mase and his daughter, Marla Mase. Blending music, movement, and storytelling, the performance reflects on life, family, and the moments that shape who we are, offering both humor and inspiration. The weekend will conclude with a discussion featuring the artists, leaving audiences with a meaningful reminder of resilience, connection, and the enduring power of hope.

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 www.rustic-road.com.