I did it—the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. I was nominated by Jeff Gombita, manager at Peck’s Market in Narrowsburg, NY. I did my challenge in memory of my childhood friend’s father, Eddie Smizer. I went to a family party on Saturday with my five-gallon bucket and a bag of ice. So, I sit in a chair, my sister is videotaping, my cousin is taking pictures while her daughter Amanda is doing the dumping. I thought the anticipation was going to be worse than the actual act of getting wet. Not knowing that my cousin Amanda used the full bag of ice and filled the bucket all the way up, I said my little speech, made my nominations, and Amanda started to dump. I had a head full of ice that took my breath away. I thought it was over, but Amanda could not lift the bucket, so her big strong father came along and I felt like I was in Niagara Falls. Cold was not the word. It was freezing cold, and I could not breathe. Afterward, I had a headache for a long time. But I did it and made my $100 donation. Oh, did I tell you? My sister did not get the video; she had too many videos of Paul McCartney on her phone. So I would suggest, if you have asthma or any kind of breathing or heart trouble, do not do it or just use water, no ice.

The Cochecton Youth Group would like to give a BIG thanks to Joan Ernst for her many years of service to our youth. Joan, you are really going to be missed. With Joan retiring, we have an opening on the board, so if you are interested, please come to our next meeting on the first Tuesday of the month—September 2—at the old town hall at 7 p.m. The same night from 6 to 7 p.m., we are having sign-up for the Day at The Villa Roma, to be held on Saturday, September 6. If you have questions, call 845/252-3568.

Sunday, September 7 is St. Baldrick’s Day. Come out and join the Human Line of Hope & Conga Against Cancer at the Four Corners in Eldred. There will also be head shaving, tricky tray and a 50/50 drawing. It all starts at 12 noon. If you would like to make a donation or get more information go to www.stbaldricks.org/event/conga, or call 845/557-3321. If Lou Monteleone has his way, all 50 states will be involved in this fight against childhood cancer. So come on out and show your support. It is a very emotional day but lots of fun. You can check out the Facebook page www.facebook.com/humanlineofhope.

Have a great week and e-mail leeniebeans@citlink.net, or call 845/252-3568, if you have news.