Judi Van Nosdall
By Judi Van Nosdall
The Valley Central Scholarship Council will hold its annual Duck Derby on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 60 Bachelor St. in Montgomery. The race begins at 2 p.m.
Adopt a single duck for $5 or get a “6 Quack” — six ducks — for $25.
The Scholarship Council recently received a generous donation from the Valley Central Class of 1976.
On Sept. 22, members of the Class of 1976 50th Class Reunion Committee — co-chair Kim Baty Kosteczko, Ann Lukacs Davison and Kathy Privitera Sherman — presented a $10,019.76 free-will scholarship donation to the Valley Central Scholarship Council.
The money was collected during the class’s three-day 50th reunion celebration Aug. 14-16.
The donation inspired the Scholarship Committee to create a new Spirit Award, encouraging Valley Central classes to follow the example of the Class of 1976 by giving back during their reunions and paying it forward to future graduating seniors.
The Class of 1976 will present the first Valley Central Spirit of ’76 Scholarship in June 2027, with plans to continue the tradition in future years.
What a wonderful way to celebrate 50 years of friendship, memories and Valley Central pride while making a lasting difference for the next generation. Class of ’76: Paying It Forward and Keeping the Spirit Alive!
Blood drive planned for Oct. 12
The Knights of Columbus, in conjunction with the New York Blood Center, will host a blood drive from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at the Holy Name of Mary Church hall, 89 Union St., Montgomery.
According to the Knights of Columbus, its members enlisted 540,381 blood donors last year, and Knights-sponsored blood drives collect an average of more than 400,000 pints of blood annually.
For information, email knights2270@hvc.rr.com or knights2270@gmail.com. Check the New York Blood Center website for weather-related cancellations.
Senior center Wellness Fair
The Advisory Board for Senior Citizens Center Inc. will hold a free Wellness Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at St. Mary’s Church Hall, 89 Union St., Montgomery.
Community and health care agencies will be on hand, and light refreshments will be served.
For information, call 845-260-4475.
The organization also will hold its annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Maybrook Senior Center, 2 Senior Way, Maybrook.
The luncheon is free and open to the first 100 military veterans and their spouses. A special performance by Maureen and James is planned. Registration is required. Call Mary at 845-260-4475.
Stitch & Chat gives back
The Advisory Board’s Wednesday morning Knitting & Crocheting Circle, also known as “Stitch & Chat,” has made hundreds of blankets, hats, scarves, mittens and other items since it began.
The group has donated its work to local chapters of Project Linus, which provides blankets to seriously ill children; Mothers Nest, which assists young mothers in need; the Children’s Enrichment Committee of Orange County, which serves local foster children; and Common Man for Ukraine, which assists Ukrainian refugees.
The group meets at 11 a.m. every Wednesday at St. Mary’s Church Hall in Montgomery and welcomes new volunteers. No experience is necessary, and instruction is provided.
With winter approaching, the need for warm clothing and blankets will increase. Beyond the practical benefits, the group provides an opportunity for people to come together, make friends and work toward a common purpose.
If interested, call Mary McCabe, director, at 845-260-4475, or simply stop by Wednesday morning.
There may be health benefits, too. Research from the Mayo Clinic has indicated that knitting and other crafts can benefit cognitive health. Knitting engages multiple brain functions, including motor coordination, pattern recognition, working memory, counting and creative problem-solving. Crafting also can be relaxing and may help reduce stress.
Will Spay Pets benefit
The annual Will Spay Pets Benefit Auction & Raffle will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Maybrook Senior Center.
Admission is free with an advance reservation. The event features a live auction, quilt and basket raffles and refreshments.
Activities at the Montgomery Senior Center
The Village of Montgomery Senior Center will offer a decoupage faux pumpkin workshop at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8.
Participants can enjoy a glass of apple cider while creating a pumpkin. Tools, supplies and instructions are included in the $40 cost. Reservations are required by Oct. 1. Call Jo-Ann at 845-457-9367.
On Monday, Nov. 16, the center will host a Tea Party at 12:30 p.m. Fancy hats and white gloves are optional.
The $35 prepaid admission includes lunch, tea, desserts and more. Reservations and payment are required by Nov. 1. Call Jo-Ann at 845-457-9367.
Mark your calendar
The annual fall Village-Wide Yard Sale will be held Saturday, Oct. 10. It’s a good time to clear out those treasures and perhaps make some money to buy more.
The Village of Montgomery Fall Fest and the Village of Montgomery Police PBA Touch-A-Truck event will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 36 Bridge St. The event will feature music, food, games, a hayride, vendors and more.
Trunk or Treat will be held Sunday, Oct. 26, from noon to 4 p.m. at 60 Bachelor St., near the Senior Center. Organizers are looking for residents willing to provide decorated trunks. Prizes will be awarded for the best trunks.
Call Tracey at 845-728-9949 or email Events25@yahoo.com.
Ladies Night Out will be held Friday, Nov. 13, from 4 to 9 p.m. in the Village of Montgomery. Seventeen local businesses are participating so far.
For information, contact Rachel Santana at 845-728-4470 or Joint2jewelers@yahoo.com.
Montgomery Free Library news
Throughout October, the Montgomery Free Library will collect donations for the Montgomery Food Pantry as part of the Great Give Back. Residents may donate nonperishable, unexpired food.
The library’s monthly craft programs will include Halloween-themed stories and crafts. Children in kindergarten through third grade can participate from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. The program for ages 9 and older will be from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Pumpkin decorating will be offered Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The program is open to children and families. The pumpkins were donated by C. Rowe & Sons Farms.
A Halloween Storytime with Miss Lauren will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Children and families are invited to wear costumes, enjoy treats and listen to spooky stories.
Library patrons also now have access to HelpNow, a tutoring platform offering 24/7 access to live tutoring, homework help, study resources and more at no charge with a library card.
Watch for more information about an adults-only event at the Montgomery Village Museum at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. The program will have an America’s 250th anniversary theme.
Follow the library on Facebook and Instagram at @montgomeryfreelibrary for updates and additional events.