The River Reporter asked for an end-of-the-year article celebrating Narrowsburg, aka Tusten, NY.

Those of you who might be confused by the details of that distinction should know that Narrowsburg is one of the hamlets that comprise the larger town of Tusten, along with other hamlets such as Beaver Brook and Lava.

I learned that a long time ago from Jane Luchsinger.

Jane is one of the most community-minded people I’ve ever known. Good friend. Devoted mother and grandmother. Retired hospital administrator. Passionate advocate for affordable senior housing.  World traveler. Book club member. Mahjong player. Master baker. Curator of Japanese gardens. Seamstress. Repair Café volunteer. Saleswoman at the Velvet Maple on Main Street. Deputy town supervisor. 

And, until the end of this month, the longest-seated town board member in Tusten.

She has served three terms. One more term and we could’ve called her the Tusten FDR.

Jane has tirelessly served on the boards of DVAA, WSPL and Growing Older Together. 

She used to write the Narrowsburg News column, which I now write. 

The first time we had a real conversation, we were waiting in the checkout line at Pete’s. She used the time to correct a statistic I had used in a recent column. I still think I was right.

During the pandemic, Jane asked me to join her for a cup of coffee. I met her at the Tusten Cup. That’s how devoted to this town she has been. Even when getting coffee, she supports Tusten—in this case, Cup. It’s right there in the name.

I hadn’t sat down with my vanilla latte before she said, “I think you should run for town board.” And, having learned while waiting in line at Pete’s not to argue with Mrs. Luchsinger, I cautiously said yes. 

During my campaign and after taking office, she has been a mentor and inspiration. I hope I accomplish a fraction of what she has.

As a town board member, she has chaired many a committee. She has applied for and won significant, numerous grants. She has been instrumental in moving our infrastructure forward, including the new culvert, the Kirks Road beautification project and our soon-to-be-constructed new water tower. She has established relationships from which the town will benefit for years to come. She has been instrumental in making our town more livable and beautiful.

Perhaps the thing I admire most about Jane is that disagreeing with her is not a gridlocked dead end. It is not an argument. It’s a debate meant to educate and inform, rather than win. It’s thought-provoking and spirited. It is respectful. Sometimes it’s even fun.

Others might be aware of the occasional transgression. After all, no one is perfect. But my experiences have always been constructive and fair, which is good because I sit next to her at the monthly town board meetings.

The thing I think I like best about Jane is that she’s always surprising. One night after a meeting, we went to the Blue Fox. Walking in anywhere with Jane is like a trip to Cheers. The door opens and people yell, “Jane!” rather than “Norm!” 

It was a brisk evening. We got a table near the fireplace. Others stopped by to visit. For some reason, one of them was carrying a flute. Why, I have no idea. 

I have a vague recollection of him saying he didn’t play and didn’t know if it worked. He asked if someone could help him figure it out. I was about to say, “Good luck with that,” when out of the corner of my eye I saw Jane open the case, put the flute together and begin playing. For one second, I was incredulous. The next second I was laughing. The next I was enjoying a lovely free concert.

Of course Jane Luchsinger knows how to play the flute.

Any opportunity to celebrate Narrowsburg should start with either its natural beauty or its people. Its citizens. We are lucky to live in a place, this hamlet, that inspires passion. A hamlet with so much talent and generosity. A place about which people care.

People like Jane Luchsinger.

Thank you for all your years of service.