Laura McNamee

Twenty years ago, at their 30th class reunion, Kim Baty Kosteczko and Ruth Pettine Hall, reunion co-chairs, held a memorial service dedicating a Red Bud tree and memorial plaque in loving honor and memory of their classmates who left them far too soon.

Their memories, friendships, and the lives they shared with one another will forever remain a cherished part of the Valley Central Class of 1976.

The VC Class of 1976 extends its heartfelt thanks to Ms. Evette Avila, Superintendent of Valley Central; Ryan Schmidt, Director of Facilities; and the Facilities, Grounds, and Maintenance Staff for honoring their Class Tree and memorial plaque following the school’s reconstruction.

The original Red Bud tree has been replaced with a beautiful Merlot Red Bud Tree, along with a new stone and memorial plaque honoring their classmates. The new stone and plaque were placed beside the tree on October 2.

The memorial tree and plaque are located just before the high school parking lot, on the left.

Kim Baty Kosteczko and Louie Estrada, Co-Chairs of the 50th Class Reunion, hope that the families of the classmates who were honored 20 years ago will take a moment to stop by, visit the new tree, see the new plaque, and know that their loved ones are forever remembered and cherished by the Valley Central Class of 1976.

The Valley Central Class of 1976 would like to thank their Alma Mater, Valley Central, and everyone who helped preserve this special memorial to their classmates.

News From The Library: Alex Prizgintas will present The British Invasion: A Cello Show and lecture of the 1960’s & 1970’s Rock n’ Roll on Thursday, October 15, 6 p.m.

Bill Fiero will present African Adventure: Part I on Tuesday, October 20, 6:30 p.m.

The Library Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, October 19, 5 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Walden Wrestlemaniacs Club will meet Monday, October 19, 6:30 p.m.

Join Miss Beth for a Family Pumpkin Party on Wednesday, October 21, 4:30 p.m. Please make sure to register ahead of time so that we have enough pumpkins for everyone. Stop at the Children’s Desk or call 845-778-7621. 

A new session for playing Mahjong has been added and will meet weekly on Thursday evenings, 5:30 - 8 p.m. The Friday Movie Matinee will feature The Addams Family on Friday, October 23, 1:30 p.m. No registration is needed. 

Ms. Jada will hold her Polymer Clay art session on Monday, October 26, 5:30 p.m. Please register ahead of time. 

Fall is a wonderful time to decorate your home. Once again, the Walden Community Council is sponsoring a Halloween Decorating Contest for village residents. Use your imagination to make your yard spooky, full of fall colors, or decorated as you please. Walden Community Council members will tour the village on the evening of October 30 to determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of the contest. If you want to make sure the committee stops by your home (must be within village limits), please send an email to: waldencommunitycouncil@gmail.com. by October 29.

If you have been wondering when the 2027 lottery calendar cards will be available, they are almost here ! The calendar cards are provided by the Walden Community Council for a donation of $20.

The good news about them is that the price is the same as it has been for 18 years: a donation of $20 buys a calendar card with numbers matching the NYS Evening Lottery and is good for one full year of drawings. Watch for the next update telling you where and when!

This Saturday, October 17, 2026, Walden Baptist Church will be hosting a Gently Used Clothing & Accessories Bag Sale for $5 a bag, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; at the Church, 38 Bank St. Walden,NY, Extra Parking located in back. For questions or more information 845-778-5611.

Also this Saturday, October 17, Walden Rec will be hosting The Monster Bash- costume parade, trick-or-treating and Hocus Pocus Movie Night! 5 p.m. at Wooster Grove. Bring a chair and blankets-movie starts at Dusk!

Starting this Saturday, October 10, there will be a Yoga Class from 9am - 9:50 a.m. at the Train Station at Wooster Grove. The class will be held every Saturday for 6 weeks, $60 per person, bring your own mat and other essentials. To register go to waldenrecreation.sportngin.com, under the adult programs tab.

Saturday, November 7, the Walden Baptist Church is hosting a soup, sandwich and salad dinner, 5 - 8 p.m. $10 a person to dine in or take out. To place an order for more information- call 845-778-5611 or 845-541-1246.