Marlboro Middle School celebrated National No One Eats Alone Day on February 16, with thought-provoking lessons and a friendship-building event hosted by Grade 7 and 8 Student Ambassadors.

The day began with classes exploring questions like “What is social isolation?” “How can social isolation affect people?”; and “What steps can I take to help end social isolation?” The students also discussed whether they have ever felt left out or like they didn’t belong. Together, the Dukes examined possible causes of loneliness and brainstormed strategies to help address the issue in their school. Later, in the cafeteria, the students were treated to ice pops and a live DJ, courtesy of the Student Council. The goal of the event was to encourage students to sit at different tables during their lunch periods and interact with classmates who they may not know very well.

Judging by the smiles on students’ faces, a fun time was had by all during this unified effort to end social isolation, promote friendship and kindness, and create a sense of belonging for all!

Support the NHS in helping “Hope on a Mission.”

National Honor Society NHS is helping “Hope on a Mission.” This is a not-for-profit charity that provides for the needy and homeless in the Hudson Valley. They will be at the new Dollar General, located at 5280 Route 9W in Newburgh (Middlehope) from 3 to 5 p.m. on February 26. They will be collecting items such as chapstick, shampoo, conditioner, hair ties, and other hygiene products. There will also be a list of ideas you may use to bring with you into the store and purchase items.

Please contact Amanda Kunkel, Elizabeth Janeiro, Samantha Jaros, or Sarah-Lynn Gilles with any questions, contact 845-401-7168.

The Students Empowering Equality club at Marlboro High School (MHS) will be hosting its second annual Black History Month Jamboree on Tuesday, February 28, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. The celebration will take place in the MHS cafeteria and will feature African drummers/dancers, songs, poetry, refreshments, and more. Don’t miss it!

St Mary’s Events/News
Every Friday evening during Lent there will be Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church with Benediction following. Wednesday, February 22 is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. Ashes will be distributed at both Masses, all to be held at St. Mary’s Church. Our Ash Wednesday schedule is as follows: 9 a.m. Mass and 7 p.m. Mass.

Fr. Tom is having a milestone birthday this year. February 24 is his 65th Birthday. Let’s all wish him a very Happy Birthday!

SENIORS ARE ON THE MOVE
The Seniors have booked a trip on March 23 to travel to Paterson, New Jersey to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day with a feast at Hanover Manor. Cost of the trip is $60 per person. For more information, call Mary Martin at 845-389-6575. Please leave a message if no one answers – Mary will be sure to get back to you. Trips are for members of the Marlboro Milton Seniors Club.

Great News for area Families in need of diapers for their children! Free Diaper distribution Pop-Up , Saturday, February 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 426 Old Post Road, Marlboro.

Weekly Recipe
Easy Baked Pork Chops

These easy baked pork chops always turn out tender and juicy. The creamy sauce is delicious served over rice or mashed potatoes — and you have all the ingredients on hand. Recipe by bdld.

Ingredients:
6 thick cut pork chops
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon seasoning salt

2 eggs, beaten
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
⅓ cup white wine
Directions
Step 1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2 Season pork chops with garlic powder and seasoning salt. Place beaten eggs in a small bowl. Dredge pork chops lightly in flour; dip into beaten egg, then press into breadcrumbs to coat both sides.

Step 3 Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add breaded pork chops and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side; transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish and cover with foil. Step 4 Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Meanwhile, mix condensed soup, milk, and white wine in a medium bowl until well combined; pour soup mixture over pork chops. Replace the foil, and continue to bake for another 30 minutes.

Happy Birthday: Lucy Ann Sullivan, Barbara Carafano, Ann Verdi, Jennifer Berean, Moira LoFaro, Joe Carrado, Dave Goodwin, Carol Laffey, Nicole Porcelli, Dave Mannese, Rayella Booton-_Brown, Nicholas Giansante, Irene Vandermark, Tom Copertino, Colleen Corcoran, Lenore Giansante Jaque Cikovsky, Diana Bellacicco.

As always, any events, announcements recipes or pictures you want to share email me: Telltammy123@gmail.com or call 845-430-4394.