I hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween—the weather certainly was perfect for trick-or-treating and Halloween trunk or treats. 

The countdown to Thanksgiving has begun and I hope the weather stays this mild to enjoy all the fall things!

Here are some events happening in and around our community:

The Cochecton Youth Commission will hold sign-ups for the following events. The first is decorating cookies and a holiday dance party with Santa on Saturday, December 7 at 10 a.m., and you’ll find it on the lower level of the Cochecton Town Hall. The snow date is Sunday, December 8 at 2 p.m.

Children must be able to attend both dates if they’re signed up. All Cochecton youth are invited. As always, it is free to all Cochecton youth!  

The sign-ups for this event will only be on Tuesday, November 5 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of the town hall.  The sign-up will close promptly at 6:30 p.m. on November 5. (Sorry, no exceptions.) 

All Cochecton youth must be signed up in advance to participate at this event. If you cannot make this sign-up, please contact Krissy at 845/807-8003 at least 24 hours prior to the sign-up time to make other arrangements. 

Event organizers are looking for donations of juice boxes, juice, sugar cookies, icing, sprinkles, plates, cups and napkins. Please text Krissy at 845/807-8003 to donate, or with any questions. This program is funded by the County of Sullivan and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services through the Sullivan County Youth Bureau.

They are also holding the final sign-ups for the Liberty Science Center on Tuesday, November 5 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the lower level of the town hall. The youth group will be going to the Liberty Science Center, which is featuring the Blue Whale Exhibition on Saturday, November 23 at 10 a.m.

Each ticket includes access to the premium exhibit, the Blue Whale! In this immersive exhibit, you’ll see the enormous skeleton of a recovered blue whale and discover how whales evolved, the size of their heart, how they communicate and more of the mind-blowing biology of Earth’s largest animal ever. Gain insight into the decline of blue whales, what's being done to protect them, and how scientists are using DNA to unlock some of the secrets of these elusive creatures. For details and questions about this event please contact Catherine Wnek-Kawa at 347/782-1098. The cost for adults is $26 each; please bring exact cash to sign-ups. Parking is $7, paid at the museum. As always, there is no cost for all Cochecton youth. This program is funded by the County of Sullivan and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services through the Sullivan County Youth Bureau.

Winter athletic sign-ups at Sullivan West are open. Please register your child on FAMILYID for all winter sports. JV and Varsity practice begins on November 18 and modified practices start on November 25. Let’s go, Bulldogs! More information can be found on the Sullivan West website.

Sullivan West Fall Athletic Awards will be held on November 6 with modified awards now taking place at 6 p.m. and JV and Varsity awards will be held at 7 p.m.

If you have a local business that you would like to have spotlighted in an upcoming column, please get in touch! Please email jenn@jennpowelldesigns.com with any news, events and happenings. Catch me online at www.everafterinthewoods.com for delicious recipes too!