We've put on our running shoes and are gearing up for the New Paltz Challenge Run which is our annual 5K and half marathon. I urge you to sign up for this event soon if you have a passion for running. We currently have 246 runners signed up for the half marathon and 34 for the 5K. The event is June 15th and you can get more information at www.newpaltzchallenge.com.

If running isn't your thing we have just the thing for you. The committee needs assistance with registration at the event, water stations, directions and general assistance for the participants on the day of the event. Contact us if you are able to assist in this. We fully realize that this is Father's Day... is there a better way to get your children involved than to volunteer at an event such as this? We think not!  We'd appreciate if you can find the time to assist us in whatever way possible if you are not participating in the races.

Speaking of participating, Garvan McCloskey from Shea O'Brien's completed the Boston Marathon in under four hours last week, but that wasn't even his biggest accomplishment. He raised over $10,000.00 for Family of New Paltz. This comes from a man who wasn't even part of the New Paltz community two years ago. Amazing effort Garvan - thank you for doing this and for showing what a little facial hair can actually accomplish! For those who don't know the story, Garvan grew his beard while trying to amass the $10,000.00 in donations and wouldn't shave it until his goals were achieved. Awesome work, Garvan!

This past weekend was the New Paltz Clean Sweep as well. I was there to assist in the food set up and to help clean some of our highways and byways. Can you believe that our group found one quarter of a Subaru Outback under a tree? The Clean Sweep was a great success and, although no longer a Chamber of Commerce Event, it was still great to support the community and assist in whatever way I could. There were too many community people there to single out anyone, but you all know who you are. I bet you all felt good when you were done with it. It feels good to be community minded.

This coming Saturday is the New Paltz Regatta, the community spectacle which promises to be as entertaining as always. Hopefully the weather holds out, the cardboard and duct tape holds up, and merchants have full stores and restaurants. If the Regatta isn't in the cards for you, the golf courses are open and green, you can jump at Skydive the Ranch, go to Minnewaska State Park, walk the Rail Trails, check out the Mohonk Preserve or people watch at Water Street Market.

One thing we can't say about our region is that there isn't enough to do!

See you around town and at the Chamber.