Ballet Hispánico announces Pa’lante Scholars in The Orpheum Dance Program’s The Nutcracker

TANNERSVILLE — Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s largest Latinx/Latine/Hispanic cultural organization and one of America’s Cultural Treasures, announces that their Pa’lante Junior Ensemble, from the pre-professional Pa’lante training program, will be joining in the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Orpheum Dance Program in the ninth annual performance of The Nutcracker. Performances are Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday, December 15 at 2pm at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center, 6050 Main St, Tannersville. Tickets range from $7-$30 and are available here, by email at boxoffice@catskillmtn.org, or by phone at 518-263-2063. 

The Catskill Mountain Foundation presents the world’s favorite ballet, The Nutcracker. Now in its ninth year, the Orpheum Dance Program’s Nutcracker has become a holiday favorite of residents of the surrounding Catskills and Hudson Valley. Featuring ballet stars of the future, this spectacular production has become one of the finest Nutcrackers in upstate New York.

The Orpheum Dance Program’s Nutcracker performances span two weekends, December 7-8 and 14-15, each featuring pre-professional dancers in principal roles. The first weekend will see students from Joffrey Ballet School New York take the stage, and the second will showcase the Pa’lante Junior Ensemble of Ballet Hispánico, with choreography by Rodney Hamilton. The young dancers will take on roles like the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Snow Queen, Cavalier, and more. Alexander Scoloveno, from the renowned Aquila Theatre, will perform the role of Herr Drosselmeyer on both of the weekends. 

Ballet Hispánico is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; and by the National Endowment for the Arts. 

The Pa'lante Program is Ballet Hispánico's full-time, daytime training programs which includes Pa'lante Scholars, Apprentices and Trainees. The Pa'lantes study and train under the unique Ballet Hispánico model and train in ballet and contemporary, learn Ballet Hispánico repertory, and have many performance opportunities. The Pa'lante Scholars study tuition-free and Pa'lante Apprentices and Trainees are a tuition-based program. Partial scholarships and tuition assistance are available. This exclusive program has limited enrollment and is open to all dancers of all backgrounds.

For over fifty years Ballet Hispánico has been a platform for Hispanic, Black and Brown youth to find their dreams in the dance world. We have made it our mission to shine a spotlight on these talented young dancers, uplifting their voices, and ultimately creating a central place for them on the world's foremost stages. As the professional division of La Academia, the Pa’lante Program will offer all students the opportunity to study full-time under the unique Ballet Hispánico training model and methodologies.

Ballet Hispánico was born from a bold vision to transform the world through the power of dance and reimagine how Latinx culture is celebrated on the global stage. Since its founding in 1970 by the trailblazing Tina Ramirez, Ballet Hispánico has been breaking barriers and reshaping expectations, using dance as a dynamic force for cultural expression, empowerment, and meaningful change.

Today, Ballet Hispánico proudly stands as the largest Latino cultural organization in the United States and an acclaimed "America’s Cultural Treasure." Through our three core pillars—the professional Company, School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnerships—we lead with purpose, uplifting the vibrant, diverse voices of the Hispanic diaspora. Our Company brings the work of visionary Latinx choreographers to life, delivering groundbreaking performances that ignite cultural dialogue and challenge artistic boundaries.

Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro, who began his journey with Ballet Hispánico as a dancer in 1985, the company continues to chart new paths forward. Building on Tina Ramirez’s legacy, Vilaro has expanded the company’s impact, amplifying the intersectional stories of Latinx identities. Programs like Instituto Coreográfico, the Latinx Leaders Summit, and Diálogos foster innovation and leadership, nurturing the next generation of Hispanic artists and cultural leaders.

A true trailblazer in the world of dance, Ballet Hispánico has performed for more than 2.5 million people across three continents. As we look to the future, our unwavering commitment is to empower communities, inspire through the beauty of dance, and continue elevating Latinx voices on the world stage.

The Orpheum Dance Program brings together the best of dance training for all levels, exposure to professional dancers and standards and community engagement. Victoria Rinaldi, a former Metropolitan Opera Ballerina, teaches pre-ballet ages 4 to 5; Ballet I for Beginners; Ballet II after 2 years of dance training; Ballet III for Advanced and Pointe; and Contemporary Dance 8 and up. The program combines dance classes with two major community performances a year, The Nutcracker and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Rinaldi helps cultivate young dancers to reach their fullest potential while dancing alongside professional and pre-professional dancers from the most renowned dance programs in the country.

The Catskill Mountain Foundation’s (CMF) aim is to provide educational opportunities in the arts for youth and lifelong learners, to bring the experience of the arts to the Catskill community, and to support artists and art organizations in the development of their work through residencies. Since its founding in 1998, CMF has presented hundreds of music, dance, and theater performances; screened over 1,000 films to tens of thousands of audience members; provided studio arts classes to thousands of students of all ages; and served thousands of art-loving patrons in the Catskill Mountain Foundation Gift Shop. The Catskill Mountain Foundation operates the Doctorow Center for the Arts in Hunter, the Orpheum Performing Arts Center in Tannersville, and the Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts in Maplecrest, NY.

Since 1998, CMF has raised, generated, and invested close to $16 million in facility development and an excess of $42 million in programming operations, for a total investment in the Catskill community of over $58 million. Catskill Mountain Foundation is supported in part by New York State Council on the Arts, the Greene County Cultural Fund administered by the Greene County Legislature, The Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, The Royce Family Foundation, The Samuel and Esther Doctorow Fund, The Orville and Ethel Slutzky Family Foundation, Platte Clove Bruderhof Community, Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation, The Greene County Youth Bureau, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, All Souls’ Church, Stewarts Shops, Windham Foundation, and by private donations. CMF believes that the arts can transform the lives of those touched by it and can transform the community. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Ashland Speaks

By Lula Anderson

Snow, Snow, Snow!  It's only the beginning of December and I'm already getting tired of all of the snow.  Since the big Thanksgiving  storm, we've had an inch or two every day.  Everyday Judy goes out and shovels the driveway so that it won't freeze, and by the time she's done, it's time to do it again. We've had a break today, and tomorrow it's supposed to rain again, but by Thursday it is supposed to change back to snow.  And more shoveling.  Winter in the Catskills!

Sorry to report, but the Cookie walk for the Ashland Community Church has been cancelled.  

WAJPL members, under the leadership of DeDe Thorpe  and Jackie Hayden met on Monday and created some really wonderful wreaths.  There were several new people which is a wonderful way to teach and learn.  Thanks to the heavy snow, there were a lot more greens than originally anticipated.  

My thoughts on TV :  While talking with friends, we brought up commercials.  With the elections over, we thought that we'd get back to normal advertising.  Now we start having the Please Help Me commercials.  The ones that tug at your heart strings:  See this poor puppy, only 50 cents a day will bring him hope.  Please help this hospital, and that hospital.  How many elderly will see these and donate without thinking that 50 cents a day will add up.  A lot of times more that my poor social security check.  Then we have the car repair scams, excuse me, insurance plans.  Just sign up and you're covered for major repairs.  Ernie has two plans, and all that was covered was the part itself.  Not the nuts and bolts that were needed to hold it in, nor the labor required to fix it.  If it sounds too good to be true it probably isn't.  How about the drug advertising?  You can cure wet macular degeneration with this shot.  I looked into it, and it wasn't at all what it was made out to be.  The ads offer hope, but, again, read the fine print.  I'm not saying that it won't work, just make sure your doctor recommends it first.  

Had a question today.  Are you involved with that nice guy who takes pictures for the local paper?  It seems that every time I look, there is a picture of you.  Thanks Mike Ryan for making me so popular.

Prayers for health to Dot Giordano, Bob Bernach, Lola German, Liz Dewell and Mickey Gottsche.  

AS I REMEMBER IT

At the luncheon I went to today, a comment was made on the title of this section. As I remember.  We know it's a fact if you send three people in a room, each one will come out with a different experience.  Although we of a certain age have similar memories, no two are completely alike.  It gives us a chance to ponder on our youth and what we felt.  The woman in question has admitted to using the title while talking to family as it is as SHE remembers.  Thank you Linda for the input.

As I ponder the weather in the North East,    My daughter just came for a visit from Texas where it is Hot, Hot, Hot and she was having a problem staying warm.  Back to the past and the farm house 14 rooms and one coal fired furnace with a giant register in the floor near the diningroom.  It was a great place to sit and keep warm, and to dry clothes.  We had no living room, only a parlor that was used for Christmas and special occasions.  We had the cook stove in the kitchen where we would sit around the table and relax.  The bedrooms upstairs were cold, heated only by small registers in the floor that let the heat from downstairs up.  If you had a back bedroom you were definitely out of luck.  Three in a bed with a hot brick helped.  In the morning you grabbed your clothes and ran to the warm register.  On the bed were many quilts.  The top was made of four grain bags ( which were specially made to be reused as material), covering a blanket.  These were sewn together as a makeshift quilt and tied in several places to keep it from bunching.  The bags were washed a few times to soften and matched to make a pattern.  It was not a fancy, designer duvet, just a mother's thought of keeping her family warm.  

If you had a glass of water on your nightstand, you can be sure it would be a class of ice in the morning.  

I survived through it all, for 93 years, and am still going strong.

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Sharing the Light-the Mountaintop Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service

HAINES FALLS — It was a beautiful Catskill Autumn evening Tuesday, November 26 as members of the mountaintop community gathered at the historic Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Haines Falls. Faith leaders from across the mountaintop were hosting an evening of beloved traditional songs, inspirational readings, and timeless wisdom.

The gathering marked over thirty years since the formation of the Mountain Top Interfaith Community, an organization dedicated to uniting people of all faiths on the mountaintop.  Rooted in values of trust, faith and the belief in collective action, the community strives to build a better world through interfaith collaboration.

Eight faith groups shared unique and uplifting messages during the event.  Songs and hymns were sung, prayers offered and inspirational readings set the tone for a joyful reminder of what is possible when people come together in peace, love and common purpose. 

The theme of the evening, lighted candles, symbolizing the light within each of us.  Speakers emphasized this light as a source of hope and a way to heal in a world often overshadowed by discord and violence.

As each speaker shared wisdom from their traditions, a unifying message emerged: healing begins by recognizing the light within ourselves and in our neighbors. The Mountaintop Interfaith Community embodies this belief, fostering inclusiveness and comfort, while encouraging acts of giving and compassion.  Positive change begins when we unlock our true nature through selflessness and kindness.

The event concluded with a reminder of our shared responsibility as stewards of a larger community.  By lighting the flame of hope and unity, people of goodwill can inspire those in need and reaffirm that even in the darkest hour, light endures  

The Presenters:

Deacon Mike McDonald-Immaculate Conception Church

Cathy Farrell- Immaculate Conception Church

Pastor Ivan Kaszczak- St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Church

Carol Slutzky-Tenerowicz- Hunter Synagogue

Greg Lubow- Hunter Synagogue

Barbara Swanson- Church of All Angels

Susan Pollack-Peace Village

Pastor Amy Royal-Kaaterskill United Methodist Church

Ephraim Ben-Eliezer -Platte Clove Community

Janet Reale-Dharma Teacher Order/Vietnamese Zen

Dillon Gilbert-Community Fridge of Hunter

Service is the underlying principle that guides our actions.  Annual Offerings were collected and will go to a fund, administered by the Community Fridge of Hunter. The money will be used for operational costs, food supply and cost of construction. The Community Fridge of Hunter was founded in 2022 by the volunteers of Phoenix Web, and functions as a grassroots volunteer organization with help from local organizations, private citizens, restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and other pantries that share their resources. The fridge is a lifeline for the neighborhoods it serves and acts as a grassroots response to a dire food insecurity crisis and helps provide a nutritious diet for local family and loved ones.  

Around $2,000 was collected from those assembled!  If you were unable to attend but would like to participate, checks can also be made out to Mountaintop Interfaith Community memo line ‘Community Fridge of Hunter’ ‘and mailed to PO Box 139, Tannersville, NY 12485.

We would like to thank Jay and Joe and Jay at WPRX for their continued support of all good causes on the mountaintop and Matt, editor of this paper who is always ready to spread the word to the community he serves.

The Mountaintop Interfaith Community mission is to inspire the cooperation of all faith groups on the mountaintop by promoting harmony, understanding, and collaboration in the communities we serve. By working together while recognizing the common threads of all faiths, we will create a vibrant, engaged community of friends and neighbors.  https://mountaintopinterfaithcommunity.org/index.html 

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Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - Presence for the Older Folks

Old habits die hard especially at the holidays.

Gift giving is definitely something that has become a comfortable tradition. But what if…as kids, neighbors and younger friends of the Seniors in our communities, there was a dramatic shift and offerings were made that involved personal time and the gift of “presence”... instead of “stuff”.

Here’s some ideas that I think might be truly appreciated and fun and most definitely would be welcomed especially for those who might live alone.

-Plan ahead for a visit. It’s important to discuss preferences and limitations for a visit with your loved one.

-Offer to bring a meal to share and perhaps one to leave behind as a leftover that can easily be reheated.

Ask about preferences and oblige their needs to observe limitations especially if food items need to be gluten free or lower in sugar.

-Home made treats are always welcomed. Just a few cookies and perhaps a caffeine free tea that can be shared together can be very welcome.

-Consider playing a game of the Seniors choosing while you’re visiting. There are many on the market that fuel brain cells and trigger memory leaving the Senior feeling that sense of accomplishment. 

-Re-visit old memories by asking about the old days.

Exact details are not the point. 

Listen to the stories and encourage the Senior to share all aspects of the event even if it includes a memory that is difficult. Sometimes, we all just need that ear to listen to us and be heard. Days gone by might seem like a piece of cake compared to the problems of today's world to us, but it was their world and those were the building blocks that created the foundations that we now stand on in this world. Respect that and say it. I’ve seen a brightening in the eyes of those that I’ve acknowledged, that was so heart warming that I’ll never forget my own reaction.

-Make notes of health issues that seem to be different from a previous visit. Ask about Dr visits, gently, without focusing on alarming outcomes that might be troubling to the Senior.  There’s absolutely no need to share a news story that highlights a fearful issue about an illness. Seniors mask the fears that they live with. Fueling those fears is heartless. So don’t.

Oftentimes, Seniors are much more accepting of their circumstances than we would want them to be.

-Re-schedule a visit if you find that you’re unable to attend as planned. So just be honest and if you’re able to reschedule then do so.

-Human interaction is one of the greatest gifts that you can give to a Senior. The subtlety of a touch of their hand, a gentle hug if it’s accepted, a smile and a nod of true understanding of circumstances will mean a lot.

It’s not easy spending time with Seniors who might be

frustrated with their circumstances. But it’s important to try to be there for those who have dedicated their lives to our futures. After all, we’ll be the ones needing this presence someday soon from others. 

Lastly, bring the very best of yourselves that you can to the visit. YOUR PRESENCE is appreciated beyond measure when there is a sincerity and compassionate undertone.

Remember to see those you’re visiting with the respect and admiration that they have carried forward as our hope for the future.

Pat Larsen lives, works and plays in Greene County with her husband Chris and their puppy Lily. She is syndicated columnist in Greene, Northern Ulster and Columbia and Albany counties.

Pat’s first book…REFLECTIONS…anything but an ordinary life is available on Kindle KDP and on Amazon.

The stories within its pages speak to Baby Boomers and Seniors growing wiser with age.

Feel free to contact Pat to chat at 518-275-868.

Or text a message to say hello. 

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Tannersville, Hunter Foundation Discusses Major Renovation Plans

A photo submitted by advocates for a new skate park in the Village of Tannersville

A photo submitted in the site plan for a proposed new skate park in the Village of Tannersville

Photos and Story by Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE — The Village of Tannersville Board held a planning board meeting on December 9, followed by a regular Village Board meeting, which included updates on several key community projects.

Town of Hunter Supervisor Sean Mahoney, in his role as Executive Director of the Hunter Foundation, presented plans to renovate a property next door to Rooted, formerly Vanity Fur. The property, a two-story building, is slated for transformation.

"We're looking to repurpose an inefficient two-bedroom apartment," Mahoney explained. "The bottom floor will become a retail space, and the top floor will be renovated into an efficient two-bedroom apartment with a separate entrance."

The retail space will feature an open floor plan, and Mahoney noted, "We don't have a plan for the [incoming] business, so we'll make it a rentable [retail] space." Once complete, the Foundation will market the retail space for lease.

The Village Planning Board, with assistance from Town of Hunter Planning Board Chairman Marc Czermerys, acting as a consultant, approved a motion to be the lead agency for the project. The next step includes consultations with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), with a public hearing scheduled for January 13, 2025. Mahoney confirmed he already has a building permit for demolition work on the site.

A group of residents presented updated plans for a new skatepark in the Village to honor the late Danny Legg. Presenters included Jasper Kahn, Matt Soranno, ToniAnn Morabito, Cathy Legg, Frank Cabrera, and an “anonymous community member.”

Soranno and Morabito shared updated site plans and requested a letter of support from the Board. The proposed project, with costs estimated between $500,000 and $1 million, faces challenges, including its location in a floodplain.

"Moving forward, we'd like clear communication from the Board," Soranno said. Let us know what exactly you need from us to present to you. We want to focus on what comes next to have a concrete idea of how much money we'll need and how we'll get it."

Village Deputy Mayor David Kashman expressed support but emphasized the importance of thorough planning. "The letter of support gets us started if we seek grant money from other municipalities, LLCs, and representatives. It gets the ball rolling," he said, noting the holidays might delay progress.

Village Trustee George Kelly raised concerns about the project's feasibility. Kelly wrote in a text addressed to the Board, "They don't have capital… We, as a Village, do not have the capital. Let us, in quick fashion, give this nice group and the public a cohesive upfront answer – not a protracted campaign of 'keep trying, guys.'"

The Board acknowledged that navigating the floodplain issue and coordinating with the DEC and DEP would be critical. Czermerys explained, "They're not going to tell you yes or no. They're going to tell you what you have to go through." He suggested the applicants begin consulting engineers to assess the project's viability.

Community member and skatepark advocate Cabrera asked, "So the next move from the Board is to make those phone calls to determine if what we're discussing is a viable endeavor?"

Kashman responded, "We have enough information to make those calls now. Clearly, you guys are serious about it, and the Board is supportive of it."

In a text message following the meeting, Soranno said, "We are well aware of the challenges this project faces. As a team, we are moving this mission forward, and now, with the Village expressing full support of the project, it's time to take the next step -- and we are ready to go."

Soranno credited Morabito for concisely updating the site plan, which he said "Strongly addressed every point of interest the Village requested."

The Board also addressed concerns about snowmobilers entering the Upper Lake Redevelopment site illegally. Kashman suggested putting up snow fencing along Upper Lake Road and Rip Van Winkle Lake's shoreline to secure the area.

Cathy Legg of the Kaaterskill Snowmobile Association recommended additional snow fencing. Mayor David Schneider urged residents to report illegal activity, noting that signs placed at the site had been removed or knocked down. "It's mostly on the weekends, so maybe we can get more [police] patrols in that area," Schneider said.

Town Supervisor Mahoney proposed large signs at entry points warning, "Snowmobiling is not permitted in this area, it is dangerous." Trustee Kelly suggested confiscating a snowmobile to deter violators and send a strong message to trespassers.

The conversation turned back to the skateboard park. Supervisor Mahoney said, "At the end of the day, they have limited funds. So what's the best way for them to utilize those limited funds?" Mahoney added, "This is a Village capital project. Let's not beat around the bush here. To me, it is a waste of their money for them to spend it on engineering, etc. As a suggestion, maybe they should formalize. Maybe they should spend the money to become a formalized not-for-profit with 501(c)(3) status. I think that would be a good use of your funds. However, the issue here is that once you get past $20,000 in receivables, it costs more money to be a 501(c)(3) because then you're getting audited every year. And that costs a lot of money. So, right now, you can raise $20,000, and I do not doubt you will. I'm just saying once you get past that threshold, it becomes a pain no matter which way you do it -- which brings me back to this – which is that it makes the most sense to me for the Village to get behind this. Either you're for it, or you're against it."

Mahoney added that the money raised could go to the Village, which already has an engineer and is already a 501(c)(3). Mahoney added, "I'm just saying just one phone call [from the Village] to an engineer saying 'Hey, we have these plans. How much would it be?" Village Clerk Robin Dumont added, "Most of the grant funds for these types of projects are from municipalities or not-for-profits, so we would probably have to be the lead agency." Kashman said, "We appreciate you guys coming in. Great report. I think we're on the right track. It's on its way to the Village, so you guys continue doing what you're doing."

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CHRISTMAS HAS COME TO WINDHAM - Annual Tree-Lighting and Sitting with Jolly ‘Ol St. Nick

“Let there be lights,” said Santa, and the tree on the front lawn of the Centre Church was suddenly bright, last Saturday evening.

Parade of Lights was led by Windham Hose Company fire chief Jordan Braren (left) and assistant chief Guillaume Dufresnoy, joined by multiple units from the mountaintop and the valley.

Santa seems larger than life for little Lana Sanson, whose dad and mom are Mountaintop Tree Service, the company that strung new lights on the traditional Christmas tree on the lawn of the Centre Church in Windham.

Windham Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual tree-lighting event in the town of Windham, including a Parade of Lights and a visit by Santa Claus to the Centre Church for a long line of children waiting to whisper their wishes into Santa’s ear. Helping welcome the merry revelers were Chamber events coordinator Caroline Lynch (seated on St. Nick’s knee), Christmas elves and Windham-Ashland-Jewett school students Piper Cohane (left) and Erin Klein.

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HENSONVILLE TREE-LIGHTING -Traditional Tree-Lighter Tom Martin Does the Honors

Two pictures above: 

Hensonville held its annual seasonal tree-lighting, last Friday evening, with the singing of carols led by Tiffany and Chris Chase and family. Traditional tree-lighter Tom Martin, 96 years old (above), joined the carolers after receiving helping hands to plug in the cord. Mr. Martin donated the tree in the heart of the hamlet in honor of his parents.

Santa Claus arrived in flashing fashion, chauffeured to the tree-lighting in a fire engine driven by Hensonville Hose Company fire chief Tyrel Sherman. Santa later heard the Christmas wishes of children at “The Henson” inn, hosts of an after-lighting cookies and warm beverages gathering.

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COOKIE “MOMSTER” RETURNS - Windham Public Library Hosts Decoration Day

Atanacio Lopez got an unexpected icing surprise, vacationing in Windham from Mexico with his family in what seems like an opposite journey, traveling from the heat to the cold. 

Pretty darn serious about eating that cookie, Lilly Lawrence, the 3-year-old granddaughter of Windham Hardware store owners Jim and Diane Lawrence, wastes no time before taste-testing her decoration, finding it greatly to her liking, accompanied by her mom Johanna.

The Cookie “Momster,” Theresa Corrigan, brought colorful sweetness to her family-for-a-day at the Windham Public Library, last weekend Corrigan, the mother of three daughters and eight grandchildren, is a longtime edibles decorator and studier of the skill at the Culinary Institute of America, making her third holiday season trip to the mountaintop book center, providing the cookies and tubes of yummy icing while kids of all ages did the prettifying.

Welcoming cookie lovers young and older, (left to right) Windham Public Library director Candy Begely (with one of her grandsons Loghan Montana), Aryanna Telles cookie partner to the head baker and decorator Theresa Corrigan, and 9-year-old Windham-Ashland-Jewett school student Kishan Dutt who had a simple and obvious answer when asked what he would do with his self-decorated sweets, saying, “eat ‘em.”

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Sundaes With Santa in Gilboa

Linda Wyckoff holds bashful Charlotte Wyckoff, as Santa leans in for a photo as his trusty reindeer were prancing and pawing just outside the Gilboa Town Hall on Sunday.

Santa and Mr. Claus also enjoyed the donated ice cream during Sundaes with Santa at the Gilboa Town Hall on Sunday. More than 70 people, of all ages, enjoyed the event.

Gary Reynolds and Dave Mattice enjoyed Sunday's Sundaes with Santa at the Gilboa Town Hall. The event was a huge success as young and old packed the Gilboa Town Hall to enjoy ice cream donated by Stewart's Shoppe, delicious cookies, ornament decorating, holiday bingo, visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa, punch, writing letters to Santa and more. The event was sponsored by the Gilboa Town Board and included lighting the tree outside the town hall.

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