Anita Vandermark
By Anita Vandermark
Time to share information on another special local organization - The Walden Veterans Memorial Park. This organization was founded in 2006 after a series of opportunities fell into place.
The “High Bridge’’ over Route 52, now named Walden Veterans’ Memorial Bridge, was replaced by the NYS Department of Transportation. A house sitting on the adjacent property was removed to make a work area for the bridge crew. After the new bridge was completed, the empty lot began to gather debris. Becky Pearson, Walden Mayor at that time, saw an opportunity to create something special and began working with the DOT to get permission to use this property.
Simultaneously, the Village of Walden participated in the National Night Out Against Crime for the first time. Officer Robert Montanaro was the event coordinator and Walden needed a “Project 365” to participate. He called on the Walden Community Council to help him commit to a project, more specifically a Veterans Park.
Many volunteers showed up to clean and remove debris. A few hours’ work resulted in an amazing change in the appearance of the property and the first steps towards the reality of Veterans Park. This beautiful and special Park was the joint effort of the American Legion, AM-Vets, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Village of Walden, Walden Community Council and money and time donations from many past and present residents, businesses, governments and community organizations. Walden Veterans Memorial Park is continuously evolving. The committee plants flowers every spring and is very active in maintaining the grounds.
In addition to successfully bringing the community together to build the Park, a stronger relationship with our Veterans has been created and attention brought to the sacrifices made to keep the United States of America and its people safe and free.
In 2011, the engraved brick program to honor or memorialize a veteran was offered and well received. To date 347 veterans’ names have been dedicated. Bricks are available for purchase annually. With all orders received by July 15, installed in the Fall, and dedicated at the Veterans Day Ceremony in November. Contact Brenda Adams at 845-778-4028, for more information about purchasing a brick.
In remembrance of June Garcia, the Walden Community Council and the Walden Woman’s Club in a joint venture collected Pajamas for Inspire (officially known as Orange County Cerebral Palsy Association).
This drive is throughout the Hudson Valley during the month of January and will give “a good night’s sleep” to children in need that have never owned a NEW pair of pajamas. Sending a huge shout out to our Walden citizens and others for stepping up and dropping off so many new Pjs. You made 96 children very, very happy!
Happy Birthday greetings to well known musician Kevin Cronin on February 18. Wishing all of life’s best to this special man who spreads happiness wherever he goes.
Members of the Walden Rotary Club, family and friends send Happy Anniversary greetings to two special couples celebrating on February 23. Mike and Tara Bliss and Bob and Rita Santo. May they enjoy all their celebration.
Let M. P. B. Knights of Columbus do the cooking for you on Fridays this Lenten Season. beginning February 16 The menu for that date is 2 Breaded Cod Fillets; Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable; Roll, Cookies. Meals - $10 each. Pre Orders and Take Out Only. Leave a message by 11- p.m. Thursday, February 15 with your order at 845-972-2303 to reserve your dinners. You will be put on the list. Leave your name, phone number and number of meals. Pick up at MPB, Fr. Sullivan Hall between 5 - 6 p.m.
The Walden Baptist Church will hold a fundraiser for Operation Dalmatian on Saturday, February 17, 5 - 8 p.m. at their ‘Church Hall on Bank Street. They will serve a Soup and Salad Dinner. Cost - $8 per person. Take out is also available.
The Walden Community Council will meet at the Josephine-Louise Public Library on Wednesday, February 14 at 7 p.m. to plan 2024 events. You are invited to join this group to make plans for all to enjoy. Questions - Call 845-778-7772.
Back by popular demand, the Walden Historical Society will host Lisa Morrison, Psychic/medium at the Jacob T. Walden House, 34 N. Montgomery Street on Saturday, April 13, 2024, 7 - 9 p.m. $50/person. Light refreshments served. Reservations required. Contact Sandy at 845-401-2795.
It’s time to sign up for the Spring Festival at Wooster Memorial Grove Park. This annual event hosted by the Walden Harvest Fest Committee is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2024, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. inside the John H. Howland Youth Center, 89 East Main Street, Walden. For vendor information contact Debbie Robb at 845-706-1570.
The Josephine-Louise Public Library sends the following news:
Baby Rhyme Time is now in session! This fun and interactive program is for babies through 3 years and meets on Thursday mornings, 10:30 a.m. through March 7.
Christine Adams will join us again for a Bluebird Felting craft on Thursday February 15, 6 p.m. You must register ahead of time so that we have enough material for everyone,
Dungeons & Dragons will meet on Friday, February 16, 5 - 8 p.m. The Chess Club will meet on Saturday, February 17, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
What happens when you put Pom-Poms and Marshmallows together during Storytime and craft? Find out on Wednesday, February 21, 4:30 p.m.
Join us on Tuesday, February 20, 6:30 p.m. for the library’s Random Reads. Discuss the latest book you read, recommend an author you just discovered, and find out what others are reading. Enjoy a cup of coffee, light refreshments, and literary conversation.