Hats off to the 17 contestants who entered Marlboro Middle School’s Faculty/Staff/Friends Cookie Challenge this year! Among the “officials” on hand to judge the delicious entries were Principal Debra Clinton, Assistant Principal Demian Stanmyer and Superintendent Michael Rydell. Special thanks to Jordan Polumbo, owner of Hazel Rose Baking Company Inc, for coming by to judge the winning cookie. Congratulations to winner Gabby Avellino, and finalists Barbara Rounds, Jim Mullen, and Dan Nicosia.

The district’s annual Spelling Bees took place on December 13, and while all the contestants put forth a great effort, in the end, victory belonged to Joshua Ramos, a Grade 7 student at Marlboro Middle School, and Lily Prevost, a Grade 5 student at Marlboro Elementary School. Joshua won after correctly spelling the word “destitution,” while Lily earned the top prize for reciting the right spelling of the word “drawer.” Both students will go on to compete in the Scripps Capital Region Spelling Bee later this winter, and we wish them the best of luck.

Marlboro Free Library
We are happy to welcome Mrs. Tessa! As an alumni of Marlboro Library’s story times, Mrs. Tessa is excited to continue and add to our children’s programs. Next time you are at the library, be sure to stop by our kids’ section and say hi!

Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes with Spinach – Hilary Meyer

Classic scalloped potatoes get a burst of color, heartier texture, and a healthy update with the addition of chopped spinach. The greens in this side dish also create a nice contrast to the creamy, velvety potatoes.
Ingredients
2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices (about 8 cups)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided.
1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon white or black pepper
2 ½ cups low-fat milk
1 pound chopped frozen spinach, thawed.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided.

Directions Step 1 Position racks in upper and lower third of oven; preheat to 425 degrees F. Step 2: Toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon oil in a large bowl until well coated. Divide between 2 large baking sheets and spread in an even layer. Roast, rotating the pans from top to bottom about halfway through, until tender and beginning to brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. Step 3 Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, until very soft and golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add flour, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring for 1 minute more. Add milk; cook, stirring and scraping up any brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Increase heat to medium high; cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and bubbles, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Squeeze spinach to remove any excess moisture; stir into the sauce. Step 4 When the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven. Preheat the broiler. Transfer half the potatoes to a 2- quart broiler-safe baking dish. Spread half the sauce over the potatoes and top with 1/2 cup cheese. Add the remaining potatoes and top with the remaining sauce and cheese. Broil, watching carefully, until the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese is beginning to brown, 1 to 5 minutes, depending on your broiler.

Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Ongoing/Events Reminders
The First Presbyterian Church offers a Grief Group once a month at the Green Office Building at Dubois and West Street, Marlboro. Group meeting dates January 3, 2024, and February 15, 2024. Time is 6 - 7 p.m.

Please consider donating during this difficult time and save a life. Those that donate blood will be given a pair of holiday socks. Please contact Geoff Pesano at 845-594-7356 if you have any questions. The Knights of Columbus Fr. Hanley Council along with the New York Blood Center will be conducting a blood drive on Thursday, December 28 at the parish hall from 1 to 7 p.m.

Happy Birthday Thomas Farino, Joseph Molinaro, Micheal Paolo, Eddie Camuso, Kaylee Keane, Kathy Keane, Angel Noto, Brian Keane, Michael Keane Jr., Karen Greiner, Ingrid Dodard Brown Happy Anniversary: Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Farino, Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Hyland

Hope everyone has a Happy, Healthy New Year, please check on a neighbor or call someone that lives alone and let them know you are thinking of them.