August 9 - Hello everyone: It’s Fran Defilippi Kurpil. Early August and very warm here in Liberty during the day, but last night we sat outside on the patio until late.  The temps were perfect by then, the fireflies were happy, and it was a time to relax and enjoy chatting with our Mike and Lesli after she brought a delicious dessert to share.

Little World’s Fair:  August 19 - 21 At the Grahamsville Fairgrounds.  It wouldn’t be summer without the great, annual Fair. Our grandson, ten year old Garrett Diehl, is part of the 4H group, “The Moo Juicers,” which has been around since the 70’s.  Garrett will be showing his cow, “Marty” and his rabbit “Bun Bun.” I have the printed schedule and there are so many fun things planned. How about the racing pig show. Can you imagine the kids with this? There are rides, live music, horse-shoe tournament, watermelon eating contest, draft horse pull, classic car show…all ended by a spectacular fireworks show sponsored by Coombe, Bender & Co. What old time, good fun and a yearly chance to say “hi” to old friends.

Support for Catskill Animal Rescue in Liberty: A great show of support at the yard sale raised over $25,000 to support the Liberty shelter. How wonderful for all our animals and our animal-lovers.

Liberty Main Street: I try to drive extra slow to see what is happening and always admire the beautiful community garden and all the blooming flowers there and also at the Spanish restaurant next door who have the secret to great, beautiful potted plants enhancing their store-front.  Also, a real positive: the long empty, neglected store to the left of the Liberty Museum, former Mauer building, has been purchased and is in the process of being repaired with new windows and roof. I am so glad to get that word and waiting for who, what?  Our best to them. It is certainly good news.

Liberty Garden Club will have the second annual garden party: Friday, August 26 from 5 to 7 pm on South Main Street next to the bus stop.  The community is invited. Special thanks to all these great folks. Come on down to the garden and share good vibes, refreshments and a beautiful sense of accomplishment for these gardeners and their farm-fresh crops.

Petty Officer Erin K. Kinne: What wonderful news from the U.S. Coast Guard. Erin has been awarded the achievement medal and citation for superior performance of duty while assigned to a tactical law enforcement team.  Her superior performance of duty led to her selection as a member of the Unit Enforcement Training group. The last time I saw Erin was at a Liberty High School event, wearing her red uniform with “Kinne” across the back. Over the years I bonded with her mom, Debbie, at the Liberty Police Department, and it is apparent Erin was raised with great rules and strong leadership skills. Her dad is Scott Kinne, former Liberty Police Chief. Congratulations Petty Officer Kinne, Liberty is very proud of you.

Food and nutrition: Free Summer meals for children 18 and under, every day through August. Breakfast from Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM. Lunch from Monday - Friday 11:00 AM - 12:45 PM  at Liberty Middle and High School, 125 Buckley Street. I hope the kids are encouraged and taken there to eat. It reminds me of a very sweet little kid, maybe 10 or less, crying as he walked along the sidewalk near the Methodist Church awhile back. The tears got to Gramma here, so I asked him what was wrong. He had to get to the high school for a bus ride for lunch wherever? He wasn’t afraid of this “stranger” and his smiles made my day, as well as his, as he ran to the waiting bus.

Liberty Farmers’ Market: Every Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm till mid September...at the Riverside Park by LaPolt Park on North Main Street. Come and buy locally grown vegetables, encourage our local farmers, and eat healthy.

Liberty Fire Department:  We need to thank all these volunteers for the incredible work they do. What do we do if we find a fire in our house or on our property? The response we get, instantly is maybe taken for granted by many. Now is the time to make a donation. They have to fill the gas tanks and be ready to help us, without any notice.  God bless our responders. Send a check and say a prayer.

Liberty Mall: Lots of activity there now. BOCES offices and the Visitor’s Center are very welcome to the great location. Dynamic Cuts is a new hair salon, and next to Castillo Bakery is a new restaurant with light Colombian food that I have to try. I think the big, beautiful billboard outside Liberty Mall is a great enhancement for vacant spaces. Onward, what better location than right off the exit. 

Enjoy the sun, heat, and Hanofee Park pool and lake. I see the stores are stacked with school supplies, so now is the time to enjoy leisure and ice-cream cones.

Bye for now. Feel free to send notes for me to include.  As the song goes: God bless the USA.