Xander Macri, Junior Fire Fighter for the Village of Walden sends the following information reflecting calls made by the Fire Department for the month of December 2020: MVA 1; Structure Fires - 7; Automatic Fire Alarms - 5; Assist Fire - 1; Medical Calls - 2; Carbon Monoxide Alarms - 2; Gas Leaks - 1; Outside Fire - 1.

Special thanks to the Walden Rotary Club, the American Legion, Scouts, the Fox Hill Community, supporters in front of the ShopRite Market and the Thruway Sporting Center and to the leadership of Rotarian, Bob Santo who led the charge in organizing Bell Ringers to support the annual Salvation Army fundraiser. Donations to the Salvation Army totaled $7365.

Be advised that Christmas trees will continue to be picked up by the Village D.P.W. until January 20. Place them at the curb for pick up.
Any questions, call the village office 778-2177.

The Village of Walden Recreation and Parks Department is presenting a free Online Recreation Program for all ages. Live Streaming takes place on the Walden Rec Facebook page on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. on the following dates: January 13 - Bobby Magic; January 27 - Mad Science; February 10 - Hudson Valley Conservatory - Dance Class Featuring Keely Wright; February 24 - Fitness Class with Steve Gamma; March 10 - Walden Library (animated book and craft); March 24 - Concert BSKi full band performance - Brian Collazo.

Additional questions, please call the Recreation & Parks Department at 778-2177 ext. 1523.

There will be lots of celebrating at the Michael and Tara Bliss residence this month. On January 14, Mason Bliss will celebrate his 7th birthday and on January 19 his sister Michaela Bliss will celebrate her 5th birthday. Happy birthday and enjoy your Special Days!
Walden Rotary Club members will send birthday greetings to fellow member, Matt Flanagan on January 21. We all send him all life’s best!
On January 21, my neighbor Taggart Williamson will celebrate a milestone birthday! We all send him Happy Birthday wishes as well as wishes for all life’s best! Enjoy your special day Tag!
Two Walden Historical Society Board members will soon celebrate birthdays. Happy Birthday to Mary Slater on January 16 and to Richard Hoyt on January 24. It’s time to celebrate!

The Walden Rotary Club has returned to weekly “Zoom” meetings until mid January due to Spruce Lodge’s decision to temporarily close.

Most Precious Blood Church will hold “Catholic Conversations” on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, 7 p.m. in the Parish House, All are welcomed to attend this casual gathering meant to share the Catholic faith. For information contact Larry and Jean Winum at 778-1602. Safe distancing and masks are required.

With regard to the New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, the Village’s objective is to adopt a plan that is tailored to the needs of the Village that will promote the improvement of police agency and community relationships based upon trust, fairness, accountability and transparency and further seeks to reduce racial disparity in policing.
Written input can be sent to the Village Manager at: info@villageofwalden.org or to the Village Police Department at: PoliceReform@waldenpd.com. In order to further facilitate your input, the Village has scheduled open public forums to be held in the Bradley Assembly Room, on the third floor of the Village Hall, One Municipal Square, Walden, on Monday, February 4, 2021 at 6 p.m. and Monday March 1, 2021 at 6 p.m. If in person attendance at these forums is not possible due to restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, further information will be provided by the Village to allow remote attendance and participation.

The Walden Humane Society, 2489 Albany Post Road, Walden will hold their next indoor yard sale on Thursday, January 21, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Face masks are required. All proceeds benefit the care of the animals at the shelter. For information call the shelter at 778-5115. The shelter is in need of supplies, please bring a donation of food or cleaning supplies. Thank you for your support.

The Josephine-Louise Public Library sends the following news:
Miss Beth has a few activities for your family during this cold month of January. The next “Take & Make: Art for Kids” will be available January 11 through January 15. She will also have a recorded lesson on Facebook to answer the question: “Lines, Lines, Lines! Why are they so important?
Next up: Learn Basic Embroidery Stitches on Thursday, January 21. 6:30 p.m. Meet us on Zoom as Miss Beth demonstrates the basic embroidery stitches, step by step. This program is for ages 13 years and up. Call the Main Desk or the Children’s Desk to register or e-mail us at wal@rcls.org. You will need an e-mail address for the Zoom link to the program.
The week of January 25 will feature a Pinecone Skier Take ‘n Make. All supplies and instructions are included with each kit. Remember to call us ahead of time in order to reserve a particular activity.
Just a reminder that the library is open for 30-minute appointments. You may come in, browse, read the paper, use the computer, send faxes, make copies, or ask about tech help. Curbside service is still available. The library has been waiving all late fees on returned materials. Lost or damaged items will still be subject to fines. All returned items are quarantined before they are checked in.