Laura McNamee
By Laura McNamee
Happy Birthday to Ginny McFadden on November 10 and to Peter Millspaugh on November 11!
Life must’ve been so fun back in the day when everyone walked the streets; like in old movies or Broadway plays when the town is bustling and everyone knows everyone. A big part of Walden’s social life, in days gone by, was fraternal organizations. In fact, the former VFW building on Main St. was originally the home of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Unfortunately, during recent renovations to the building, the roof line was changed and the parapet with “IOOF” on it was removed.
Many years ago, a Condensed History of Walden in its early days was compiled by C.E. Cooper. In the section titled “Fraternal Societies of Long Ago”, he quotes Irving H. Loughran, a local Attorney of the time (1903): “Walden was just about the ‘joiningest’ town around the county for there were no less than nineteen or twenty fraternal societies or lodges here. All were in flourishing condition so that anyone who wanted to join a lodge could be accommodated. It appears that before the advent of automobiles, TV or movies the Lodge was the social center of the Village’.
According to Mr. Loughran, the following orders were represented in Walden: Wallkill Lodge, F & AM; Court Orange, Foresters of America; Sheffield Lodge, Order of St. George; Walden Lodge, Knights of Pythias; Junior Court Orange F of A; Mohawk Tribe, Improved Order of Red Man; Camp Walden, Woodman of the World; Victoria Lodge, Daughters of St. George; Freeman’s Lodge I.O.O.F.; Fairchild Post, G.A.R.; Henry Gowdry Council, American Mechanics; Orange Circle, Companions of the Forest; Fairchild Ladies Relief Corps.
Mr. Cooper ended his article saying “It is regrettable that our modern life is so full of other things that we forget the fraternal feeling that our older citizens had”. Although most of these fraternal societies don’t still exist, Walden has a variety of organizations that would welcome new members from the community. Maybe Walden can get back to that fellowship and fraternal feeling.
News From The Library
A reminder of an upcoming program: Prayers in the Wind with Rev. Ani Kunga, on Tuesday, November 10, 6:00 p.m. Learn about this tradition and why prayer flags adorn the homes and landscapes of many countries in Asia. Make your own prayer flag to take home. This program is free, suitable for all ages, and all materials are supplied. This is co-sponsored by the Tsechen Kunchab Ling Temple as a part of the temple’s Silver Jubilee Celebration. Please sign up at the Main circulation desk or call (845)778-7621.
The Art of Exhale with Executive Wellbeing Consultant Tara Aytes will be held on Monday, November 16, 6:00 p.m. Tara Aytes will present a restorative, interactive workshop that invites participants to pause, reconnect, and intentionally exhale the pressures they carry. Through guided reflection, journal practices, and Tibetajn singing bowls, participants will experience a four-part framework: Release, Regulate, Receive, and Return. Copies of Ms. Aytes latest book, The Art of Exhale, will be available for purchase, followed by a book signing. Please register ahead of time.
African Adventure Part 2: Tanzania, with Bill Fiero is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 6:30 p.m. Bill will present the second part of his journey to Africa and share photos and stories about his experience. Light refreshments served, all ages welcome!
JoAnn DeGaglia, our favorite Sommelier, will return to the library on Thursday, November 19, 6:30 p.m. for Around the World in 4 Sips! JoAnn will bring a sampling of fine wines on an International level. Light snacks will accompany the sampling. Make sure to sign up early. Her programs fill up quickly!
Our book discussion pick for November is titled The American School of Spies; the Archaeologists who fought the Nazis and saved the treasures of Ancient Greece by Stephan Talty. The discussion will take place at the library’s first floor on Monday, November 30, 6:00 p.m.
This Saturday November 7, the Walden Baptist Church is hosting a soup, sandwich and salad dinner, 5-8pm. $10 a person to dine in or take out. To place an order for more information- call 845-778-5611 or 845-541-1246.
Walden Rotary Club will be hosting their 9th annual Adopt a Coat Event on Saturday, November 14, 11a.m.-2p.m. at Hunter Insurance Services, 70 Oak St., Walden. They will be handing out coats, gloves, hats and bags of groceries, while supplies last. Anyone who is in need of these items is welcome to stop by and take things home with them.
Walden Rec will be hosting the 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Saturday, November 14, 1-3pm at Anita Vandermark Community Center. To register call Laura at 845-778-2177 ext. 1527. Limited to the first 100 people, so reserve your spot soon!
One question quiz: what has remined the same cost for 18 years, offers you a chance to win more than you spent, and is good for a full year? Answer: the lottery card calendars sold by the Walden Community Council. The lottery cards are now at the front desk of the Josephine Louise Public Library. For the cost of $20.00 per card, you have a chance to win every day of 2027. The only day not included on the calendar card is Christmas 2027. The daily winner will be mailed a check for $25.00, on Sunday the winner receives $40.00, and the marked holidays bring $75.00 with New Years Eve winner receiving $100.00. Once you purchase a lottery calendar card, you are “in” for all of 2027 and do nothing more. If your lucky number is drawn on the NY Lottery Evening Numbers, a check will be mailed to you. Get your numbers ready and head to the library !
Free Line Dancing Class! Thursday, November 18th, 7-8p.m. at the Anita Vandermark Community Center. Register at sportsngin.com/waldenrecreation
Floor Hockey at Wooster Grove, Thursdays November-December, 6-7:30p.m., ages 9-14. Village of Walden Residents $40, Town of Montgomery Residents $50. Register online at waldenrecreation.sportngin.com
Walden Rec is organizing the Christmas Senior Trip on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at the Paramount Theatre- Jimmy Sturr Presents The Magic of Christmas! $30 per person, adults 55 and over only. 1:30p.m. depart from Walden Firehouse, 3p.m. show, 6:15p.m. approximate return to Walden. Sign up at the Anita Vandermark Community Center. For more information call Laura 845-778-2177 ext 1527
It’s not too early to mark your calendar for the Holiday Shopping Event sponsored by the Walden Community Council. Come to Wooster Grove on December 12, (10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.) to shop from local vendors and find just what you need as gifts for family and friends. The variety of vendors makes this an easy shopping day and the costs are moderate. See you there!