The holiday season is upon us and with Thanksgiving quickly approaching, I have been thinking about what this holiday is about. One of the earliest “Thanksgiving” celebrations was held in 1621 in Plymouth, MA. While not called Thanksgiving, it was a celebration of thankfulness for the first successful harvest since surviving the voyage to America. Throughout American history, Thanksgiving has been recognized for many reasons, depending on the climate of the day.

So, what does that have to do with me? Why do I celebrate? Over the years Thanksgiving has been a family tradition of turkey, pies, and family. How could I not be grateful for mom’s amazing apple pie?! But as I get older, I think about it as more than just a tradition with great pie.

While I try to recognize my blessings daily, like many people, I get caught up in life and am not as mindful as I would wish. But Thanksgiving is a powerful reminder that I am blessed.

I have a loving husband, an active and dynamic 91-year-old mother, and caring siblings and their families. I have wonderful friends and I am part of a connected and supportive community. But there is so much more. I have a safe comfortable home, plenty of food, and my needs are met. For all this, I am grateful.

Thanksgiving is not only a reminder of my blessings, but a reminder of those who are not as blessed. Those who battle physical or mental illness. Families who struggle to provide warm shelter and food for their children. People who lack safety and security.

For me, Thanksgiving has become a day of reflection. I reflect not only on my own blessings, but on those who I wish to feel the same.

At this holiday season, I wish you many blessings.
Plattekill Food Pantries
During this holiday season, please remember those in need with food pantries donations of food and personal care items.

Christian Community Deliverance Center Food Pantry, 46 Freetown Rd, Plattekill. Open Saturday , 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

New Day Food Pantry, 38 Firehouse Rd, Plattekill, Open Wednesday, 6-7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Our Lady of Fatima Plattekill Food Pantry, 1250 Route 32 Plattekill. Open the First and Third Wednesday of the Month , 4-6 p.m.

Plattekill Public Library Events
2047 State Route 32, Modena, NY. All events are FREE and open to the public. To register, visit plattekill.lib.ny.us/, call 845-883-7286 or email plattekill.lib@gmail.com.
The library will be closed on the following dates:

Thanksgiving Holiday, Thursday, November 25
Thanksgiving Holiday, Friday, November 26

Computer for the Visually Impaired
The library has a new computer for the visually impaired. The screen is magnified, and text is read aloud. Please call the library to set up an appointment.

Pawsitive Stories Read Aloud

to a Therapy Dog
Tuesday, November 23 at 5:30 p.m.
Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause visits the Plattekill Library with certified Reading Education Assistance Dogs. Research shows children who read to dogs on a regular basis show significant improvement in reading skills. Bring your children to meet the dogs and work on reading skills! Call to register.

First-Saturday Book Sale by Friends of the Library
Saturday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Friends are hosting a book sale at the library. Lots of great books for cheap prices. Proceeds benefit Plattekill Public Library programming.

Library Board Meeting
Wednesday, December 8, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Open to the public. All are welcome.

Collection for Toys for Tots

Drop-Off Deadline:
Thursday, December 9
The Marines Toys for Tots program provides toys, books, and other gifts to less fortunate children. Donations of new unwrapped toys and children’s books can be dropped off at the library until Thursday, December 9th.

Gingerbread Read-Aloud
Thursday, December 16, 6 p.m.

Enjoy stories and crafts with Miss Melissa. Held in the community room with limited seating. Please register each child on the Plattekill Library Calendar website, lattekill.libcal.com

Story-Time with Miss Melissa
Every Thursday morning at 11 a.m.
Weekly educational and engaging story time with crafts for preschoolers and homeschooled children. Please register each child individually.

Vet 2 Vet

First Wednesday of every month from 4-5 p.m.
Current military and veterans receive support and outreach including employment resources, financial literacy strategies, peer-to-peer woodworking workshops, and much more. Stop by the booth at the library parking lot.

Plattekill Calendar of Events
Message from the Other Side

Friday, December 3, 6:30 - 9 p.m. Modena Fire and Rescue, 1953 Route 44/55, Modena
Presented by the Modena Ladies Auxiliary, Message from the Other Side is an open reading with psychic Lisa Morrison.
While a reading is not guaranteed, Lisa will deliver evidential information and messages from departed loved ones. Tickets $40 in advance and $45 at the door. For tickets and information, call Michelle at 845-219-9700. Refreshments and raffle tickets will be available.

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa!
Saturday, December 4, 12-3 p.m.

Plattekill Fire Department, 50 Old Firehouse Rd, Plattekill.
FREE for children of all ages. While at the firehouse, pick out the perfect, fresh Vermont tree and bring home a piece of the holidays!

The Town of Plattekill Annual Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 11 6-8 p.m.
Thomas Felten Town Park, Patura Road, Modena

“Tis the Season!” Come meet Santa and have your picture taken with him. Enjoy refreshments, candy canes, and crafts sponsored by the Southern Ulster Rotary.

Wreath Laying Dedication at Modena Rural Cemetery
Saturday, December 18 at 12 p.m.
Modena Rural Cemetery, 2165 NY-32, Modena.
Remembrance wreaths will be placed on the graves of the 101 veterans. Wreaths are sponsored through Wreaths Across America by choosing Modena Rural Cemetery (NY0386). Please attend the dedication ceremony to honor those who have served.

Breakfast with Santa!
Sunday, December 19,
7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Plattekill Fire Department, 50 Old Firehouse Rd., Plattekill.
Hosted by Plattekill Fire Department with the Plattekill Auxiliary. Tickets $8. for adults, $5.for seniors and children ages 3-10. Children 2 and under are FREE.

Do you have upcoming events, or community news, or suggestions for an interview? Please contact me at LEMDougherty22@gmail.com or 845-670-4442. Thank you!