With the official start of summer just around the corner, it’s time to shake off the chill of winter and dive into all the sunny fun that comes with the season. Longer days, warmer nights and a whole lot of outdoor adventures await. Whether it’s enjoying a barbecue with friends, taking a dip in the lake, or simply soaking up the sun, summer is the perfect time to embrace relaxation and create lasting memories. Here’s to kicking back and making the most of these carefree months ahead!

Here are some events happening in our communities and beyond:

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Sullivan West High School Graduation on Friday, June 27 at 7 p.m . Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2025!

Woody the Bear, a beloved symbol of the Cochecton Preservation Society since 1997, is retiring from his post at the Erie Depot on Route 97. Carved by Dick Guttzeit in honor of Melvin “Moppy” Pierce, Woody has stood strong through the years, but now his successor has arrived! A retirement party will be announced once the new bear is installed—but first, it needs a name.

Community members are invited to submit name suggestions by mail, with each entry also earning a chance to win a commemorative t-shirt honoring Woody’s legacy. The winning name will be announced at the CPS meeting on August 5 at 7 p.m. at 8537 State Route 97, Cochecton, NY, where shirts will also be available for sale. Don’t miss your last chance to see Woody before he officially steps aside.

The 2025 Bowhunter Youth Camp will be held on July 19 and July 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The Youth Bowhunter Camp is open to all youths ages 11 to 16 in DEC region 3, which includes Sullivan, Orange, Rockland, Westchester, Ulster, Dutchess and Putnam counties.

The camp is held each year at the Sullivan County Conservation Club in Ferndale NY, area youths enjoy an informative, no-cost archery camp. With an emphasis on SAFETY, and cov­ering everything from arrow making to tracking, campers will learn almost everything they need to know to begin bowhunting. The program is run by NYS DEC-certified Hunter Education Safety instructors, and all youths completing the camp will leave with their Bowhunter safety certificate, which is required to purchase a NYS archery license. 

Space is limited, and admission to Youth Camp will be determined by a brief essay each applicant will include with this application explaining their interest in learning to bowhunt. The deadline for all applications will be June 30. Applications should be submitted to 

Harry Walker, Sullivan County Archers, 149 South Shore Dr., Wurtsboro, NY 12790 

Please call 845/794-6752  or email bowbender@hvc.rr.com for more information.

If you have a local business that you would like to be spotlighted in an upcoming column, please get in touch! Please email jenn@jennpowelldesigns.com with any news, events and happenings.