I hope and pray that everyone had a very Merry Christmas, I was on Long Island with my family. On Christmas Eve we visited the graves, my parents and Tommy’s. On my way back home I stopped and picked up the 2017 tax bills that will be in the mail before the 30th. On the 30th I turn 57. This is where you say, “She does not look that old.”

I will be collecting taxes in the town hall at 74 Smales Rd., Cochecton, NY. Taxes will be received in my office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays by chance (call first, 845/932-8360, ext. 17.) If weather is bad I will not be there.

After January 31, the following is a graduated interest schedule: January, par; February, 1%: March, 2%. In addition, a $2 penalty will be added to your bill if it is not paid when the unpaid notices are sent on or before March 5 (state law). There is a $30 returned check charge. Make checks payable to and mail payments to Town of Cochecton Tax Collector Eileen Hennessy, 295 Mohn Rd., Narrowsburg, NY 12764. For credit card payments and 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. 

Heinle’s General Store, located at 6 Old County Rd. in Cochecton Center, is hosting a safety class required for obtaining a gun permit. The class lasts four hours and is taught by Leo Cecil. The cost is $40 per person. The classes will be held on January 26 and February 23;  only one class is required. If you are interested, give Mike or Michelle a call at 845/252-3354.

Cochecton has lost another one: Rosemary Boffa, who passed away on December 16 in Livingston, NJ. Rosemary and her husband Ed moved to Cochecton 12 years ago. I will always remember how kind and generous Rosemary was when it came to donating toys to local kids. Thoughts and prayers go out to Ed and his family. May Rosemary rest in peace.

I think it is going to be a long, snowy winter, so if you have anything going on that I can put into my column I would be very happy to do so.

Keep smiling and have a great week, and email leeniebeans@citlink.net or call 845/252-3568 if you have news.