Don’t forget! The Village of Highland Falls will celebrate its 120th birthday this weekend. You’re invited! The celebration takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2, 3 and 4, mostly at Roe Park. There will be several bands each day, food trucks, contests, historical displays, a parade (on Saturday at noon on main St.), fireworks and more – you just need to visit either highlandfalls120.com or highlandfallsny.gov for all the details.

I implore you to attend at least something. Volunteers have been working for months to secure the funds needed to pull it off, to organize a festive weekend remembering where this community came from and who we are today. The best way to recognize their work – and to thank them for it – is to participate.

Just remember, though – you don’t need to live in Highland Falls to attend. Come from afar – I promise you’ll feel welcome.

So that’s a big celebration. But there have been some little things I’ve seen recently that have had me celebrating.

First, Cornwall Police Department’s ‘walk out’ for Chief Joe Gebert. Those things always get me. Whether it was the final radio call recognizing his long service to the community, or the site of his kids waiting for him at the end of the ‘walk’ he took with his wife down a line of saluting officers, or the many town employees who showed up to applaud for him – it got me a little teary. I was allowed to share his day – you’ll see some pictures in today’s Local. Congratulations, Chief Gebert, and enjoy retirement!

Second, I was dropping off a bag of shoes at the Sacred Heart Thrift Shop the other day and the lovely ladies who work there told me about how they had recently switched out ‘spring and summer’ to ‘fall and winter’ clothing, décor, etc. in the shop. They faced a daunting task, but, out-of-the-blue got a call from a Sacred Heart parishioner who knew of some local college kids who were looking for a volunteer opportunity. They said they’d love the help. Lo and behold, who walked in to help but a whole contingent of Army basketball players. The ladies said their help was invaluable – what they did in a day would have taken them multiple days to do. Cheers to those cadets – and Go Army, Beat Navy!

Third, and this hasn’t happened yet, but I’m hoping it will. If you’re like me and the whole backend of your car is filled with reusable grocery bags that you rarely use (because, as we all know, you develop ‘favorites’ and the others get shoved inside another bag and are left unused in the trunk) … please consider donating some of them to one of the two local thrift shops (Sacred Heart or Holy Innocents). Paper bags aren’t all that effective to give to shoppers, and as we all know, New York State no longer allows plastic bags so they’re in short supply. But those reusable bags? They hold a ton and are virtually indestructible. Donate some of yours if you can!

Fourth, another new business, Grant’s Hot Chicken, opened on Main St. in Highland Falls last week. I didn’t get to the ribbon cutting (I’m sorry … it was one of those days!) but my family has already stopped by several times for meals, and boy are they delicious! (And reasonably priced!). New businesses opening, more community engagement, and good food – a winning combination.

Finally … I am celebrating sunsets as often as I can lately. There have been some stunners, and I hope you’ve been able to enjoy them too. Cold weather is coming, so let’s enjoy every gorgeous moment of fall!