Hello, hope you are all surviving this crazy weather. Minus 13, then next day 46. I pray that Groundhog Phil knows what he is talking about and we have an early spring.

January is over. That means when you are paying your February taxes there is a one percent fee. January 31 was real tough; thank God I have a deputy tax collector, Kristin Lockwood. We both almost lost our minds January 31. The mortgage companies and banks wait till the last day to get their payments in. At one point it was 8:30 at night and I just wanted to cry, I was so tired. We collected more than $1 million and all is good. Remember, if you did not make a payment in January, you cannot make a partial payment, full payments only. I am keeping the same hours in February: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sunday by chance or make an appointment. When the weather is bad, call first, 845/932-8360, ext. 17. Credit card payments can be made at this link: https://webtownhall.com/cochectonny/Home.aspx. Payment services provided by Satellite.biz. The credit carriers charge a three percent fee on each transaction. You may obtain a duplicate tax bill/receipt or check the status of your payment via  www.taxlookup.net.

The Cochecton Youth Commission (CYC) spent a great day at the Villa Roma on Sunday skiing, snow tubing and ice skating. The kids had a great time. If the weather is OK, they will be going again on Friday, February 8. There is an opening on the CYC board. Join the CYC on July 2to a Subway Series Game (Mets vs. Yankees). Sign-ups are now open to both in-town and of out-of-town adults and children, with a 7:10 p.m. game start time. The Citi Field bus will depart Cochecton Town Hall at approximately 2:15 p.m. The cost is $157 per person (adults and out-of-town children); this includes transportation with CD Tours, snack pack on the bus, raffles and giveaways, bus driver gratuity and a game ticket. As always, this is free to Cochecton youth. Sign up with trip coordinator Sue Rodriguez (call or text with any questions) at 845/866 0853.

The Sullivan West KC Club is collecting new books and new pajamas for children, ages four to 12. Donations can be dropped off at the elementary lobby until February 12. Unconditional love can make a difference.

 Save the date: The Lake Huntington Ladies Aid will be holding their penny social on April 6. Donations needed—lightly used or new; please call Vicky Krauss at 845/932-8923.

Keep smiling and have a great week. You can email me at leeniebeans@citlink.net or call 845/252-3568 if you have any news. You can always check me out at riverreporter.com in Community Living.