Hello: It's Fran DeFilippi Kurpil, looking forward to Spring. During winter months I enjoyed seeing the myriad little footsteps in the fresh snow across my back yard…all kinds of little creatures out there, somehow surviving the cold. Now I'm seeing little leaves of green, welcoming St. Patrick's Day I guess.

Pharmacist Retires: I'm sure our daughter, Julie Burns, will be greatly missed after retiring from the pharmacy in Roscoe. I know she said she will miss all the contacts she made in the years she managed the business there. I imagine she will be at her son, Dr. Gene Burns, Riverside Remedy's in Callicoon part-time. I have gotten many great notes about the professional job that Dr. Gene and Shannon are doing at the Callicoon Pharmacy with the vaccine shots, saving many lives, I'm sure.

John Liddle: Deputy County Manager. Thank you for the up-dates. The Village completed their Community and Police Collaboration and submitted their plan to the State last week. Joan Stoddard from the Board also filled me in on this. Listening sessions with various stakeholders in the community were held. Surveys were taken and issues identified with action plans to address areas of concern. I was told that Detective D'Agata did a great job getting it together and John said it was great seeing representatives from NAACP, SALT and Faith Leaders in the Community working together for the betterment of the Village Police Department and their relationship with the community. A special thanks to Chief Kenny. I'm sure the average person has no idea the burdens he and his force has to face constantly. When our daughter, Cindy Gieger was a Legislator, she became aware of issues we never hear about, like bus-loads of prisoners to deal with. She always said Chief Kinney handled it all so well. (follow - Village Website and Liberty Police Dept. Facebook page)

Team At Social Services: This is John Liddle's team that is working hard to prepare for the end of the eviction moratorium on May 1st. and to distribute new stimulus funds to those most in need. John is a great leader and I thank him for quick replies to my many questions.

Our Family Group: We're gathering with our masks and last Sunday all fifteen of us enjoyed the Italian food at Casa Longobardi restaurant in Swan Lake. The wine and food are great. Castrese is a great Chef. I more than enjoy the memories of my Italian heritage that I feel there. Our Chrissy had brought some old post cards from Sicily written in Italian. She asked Castrese and a few of his friends to tell us what those relatives had written to my Dad many years ago. So those old memories made our dinner more than special. Lori brought baskets of garlic bread, our entrees, her homemade cheesecake and wine and with Italian music playing, our big table was like a banquet. We said our blessings, so happy to all be together.

Easter Egg Hunt: I was so happy to see this “normal”. Children 1 to 8 yrs. are invited to come to the Liberty Elementary soft-ball field Saturday, March 27th by 11 a.m. to meet the Easter bunny, hunt for eggs and win prizes. (rain date, 3-28). A sincere thank-you to those who are bringing this happiness to our kids.

Liberty Fitness Center: I wanted the perspective of the times from a Liberty business owner and who better than one who is always actively involved beyond her own doors. She knows how to spread cheer with her holiday table year-round. Cindy Fracasse said, “it has been a trying time this year, but we opened safely at our 25% margin”. “With all the rules in place, and being inspected by the DOH, we feel that our fitness facility is a safe, healthy environment. We are very lucky that our Liberty Chamber of Commerce saw the need to help businesses that were struggling and I would like to personally thank them”...said Cindy. She added, “the Gym is open seven days. Come in, take a tour and help support us.” “We are all in this together.”

Frank Demayo: Our Supervisor was ever so thankful to Medicine Shoppe for securing and administering the Covid-19 vaccines to over 1300 local people. I hope these people will continue to use this pharmacy for their medical needs.

Parksville Priorities: Frank DeMayo sent this update saying this group is working hard at defining the future of Parksville. He said, “we have been chosen to participate in the Pattern For Progress Rebuilding Program beginning in April”. This innovative program provides participants with tools and support they need and help with sources of funding. Check the website for this program. It is all so exciting.

Liberty, Liberty, Liberty: My hometown. While I'm still around and often reading… “it's so sad”. Let me tell you, there is nothing sad about our town, but as our Supervisor emphasizes, if you feel that way, get involved. Our real-estate home sales have been great for sellers. Two of my long-time neighbors were amazed that their homes sold in one day. Okay…I'll admit, I'm sad not chatting with Denise Birmingham as she walked her little dog up on Dwyer and the Watsons on Cold Spring.

Bye …Happy Spring. My column comes out every other Tuesday.