Don’t forget the Town of  Montgomery Food Pantry when doing your grocery shopping. Canned vegetables, instant mashed potatoes, rice, applesauce, canned soups, and stuffing mixes are needed for the baskets for the holiday dinners.
You can drop off your items on Monday and Tuesday nights from 6 - 7 p.m. at the Pantry located at 2200  Route 208 Montgomery. If your donation is large and you need help call Karena at 845-857-3861. 

Support the Valley Central Class of 2021. A fundraising Game Day Party Pack Raffle,  a live drawing to be held Sunday, Jan 31 at 12 p.m. Go to facebook.com/VCSC1964.  Entries close Saturday January 30th 12:00 pm. The cost is $20. Vizio 65” 4K HDR Smart TV and deli style party food to enjoy while you watch that new TV.  Sponsored by the Valley Central Scholarship Council.

There is a holiday Wishing Tree at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 105-109 Railroad Ave in Montgomery. It was the idea of Mr. and Mrs. Sheen in memory of their son who is buried there. Follow the main road of the cemetery on the right all the way to the end and you will see the tree on the left side.
You can write your wishes on the cards that are on a stand along with pens (take the pen with you). On Wednesday January 6, the cards will be burned. 

Looking for a unique gift this holiday season for that history buff or avid reader? Check out  the “Images of America: Village of Montgomery” book that contains  rare photographs dating from the 1870’s to the present. It focuses on the history of the hamlet and its churches, roads, businesses, schools, and cemeteries, providing insight into how village residents lived, worked, and played in years past.
The insightful text accompanying each photograph reveals intriguing and little-known facts about our village and its people. “Images of America: Village of Montgomery” can be purchased for $15 at Village Hall.

Just a suggestion, contact your house of worship for their holiday schedule of masses/services as this year space is limited.
At the Holy Name of Mary-Assumption Parish, services are as follows:
Holy Name of Mary, 89 Union St., Montgomery: Christmas Eve Mass, 2 p.m.; Christmas Day Mass, 11 a.m.

Church of the Assumption, 211 Homestead Ave., Maybrook, Christmas Eve Mass 6 p.m., Christmas Day Mass at 9 a.m.
Please call 457-5276 for availability.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year greetings from my house to yours,  since my column will not appear again until the first Wednesday of 2021.
Stay safe, stay healthy, till next time!