I hope and pray that everyone had a very Merry Christmas. On Thursday, December 14 I went to visit Fr. Bill; he is doing well and loves all his Christmas cards. Then I went to Queens to meet up with my sister, and we went to Manhattan to meet my brother in law. We had a nice dinner and went to see the play “A Bronx Tale.” We stayed over in the city and on Friday went to see the tree, went to Bryant Park and did some shopping. As I have told you before, my youngest brother is a drag queen who works in Lips in New York City. My father’s youngest brother’s wife and two daughters met us there, and we had a blast.

Christmas weekend, it was back to Queens to do Christmas with Tommy’s sister and her family, then Saturday night back to my sister’s to do Christmas. I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at my brother Teddy’s with his family. 

On December 26, I picked up the tax bills. I’ll try to get them in the mail by December 30; that’s my birthday, and you know I don’t want to be doing taxes on my day. Yes, another year older—turning 58. This is where you say, “She does not look that old.”

I will be collecting taxes in the town hall at 74 Smales Rd.  in my office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays by chance or appointment. Call first, 914/799-4486 or 845/932-8360, ext. 17. If weather is bad, I will not be there.

Payment schedule: January, par; February, 1% penalty, March, 2% penalty. In addition, a $2 penalty will be added to your bill if it is not paid by the time the unpaid notices are sent on or before March 5 (state law). There is a $30 returned-check charge. Make checks payable to Town of Cochecton Tax Collector Eileen Hennessy, 295 Mohn Rd., Narrowsburg, NY 12764. For credit card payments, only Visa, Master Card and Discover will be accepted—no Amex and no e-checks. Visit www.taxlookup.net. If you have to change an address, call the assessor at 845/932-8160, ext. 12, or if you need any past tax information, call the county at 845/807-0200.

The Lake Huntington Fire Co. is selling tickets for its New Year’s Day chicken barbeque. Ask any of the firefighters or call RuthAnn at 845/932-8514 or 932-8444. It is takeout only, $10 from 3 p.m. until sold out.

I wish you health and happiness in 2018. Keep smiling and have a great week. Email leeniebeans@citlink.net or call 845/252-3568 if you have news. You can always check me out at riverreporter.com in Community Living.