A Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast was held at the Montgomery Senior Center on January 17, to thank and honor individuals who graciously volunteered their time and services during 2018 to assist with various Center programs. The Center, at 36 Bridge Street in the Village, is open week days and offers free or low cost programs and activities for all to enjoy. Pictured: Front Row Seated (left to right): Ginger Moore, Judy Van Nosdall, JoAnn Toland, Mary Ann Lindner, Marie Bordinaro, Rae Fallon, Bibi Latif, Ingrit Holik. Back Row Standing (left to right): Brian Fitzpatrick, Walt Lindner, Mike Jennings, Gary Swinger, Brian Monahan, Stan Goldstein, Becky Szabo, Rod Winchell.

Photo provided

I’m back ! A reminder that my column appears twice a month now. My next column is February 20.

For you history buffs, today, Wednesday February 6 at 1 p.m. the Montgomery Senior Center will be hosting Author, Newspaper Columnist and Public Speaker Tony Musso for a free presentation titled “Hidden Treasures of the Hudson Valley”.

Mr. Musso, a local historian, will be offering a very informative presentation about various hidden historical sites of the Hudson Valley from the American Revolution era.

SAT Prep
Attention students, raise your SAT scores! The Valley Central Scholarship Council is sponsoring SAT Prep Classes at the Valley Central High School. It will be held on Tuesday evenings, February 19-April 9 (April 23 and 30 are snow dates) from 5:30 - 8 p.m. The cost is $260 and includes books.

Space is limited to first come- first serve. Registration and payment are on-line. Go to VCHS Home Page or Valley Central Scholarship Council Facebook page.

For information or registration link, contact Fran @ franfoxpizz@gmail.com

Afternoon of Friendship
Enjoy an afternoon of friendship at the Montgomery Senior Center on Wednesday, February 13, between 1 and 3 p.m.

Complimentary pizza and music entertainment. Bring a friend and meet old friends, or make new friends, during what is being planned as a relaxing afternoon.

Please call 457-9367 to sign up no later than Friday February 8 so the Center can plan accordingly.

Arboretum needs volunteers
The Orange County Arboretum Volunteer Recruitment Meeting is scheduled for February 13, at 10 a.m.; with a snow date of February 14. The meeting will take place at the Ottaway Education Building at the Arboretum. The Arboretum is located in Thomas Bull Memorial Park , 41 Grove St. off Route 416, Montgomery, NY Registration is required.

For more information or to reserve a seat call 325-4718 or email greenhouse3971@gmail.com. Prospective volunteers will learn about the variety of year-round opportunities available; greenhouse work, weeding the beautiful gardens, crafting for the boutique, helping with education programs and more. Participants will meet some of our veteran volunteers and the Arboretum’s Horticulturist, Peter Patel.

The OC Arboretum Friends invite you to join their family of volunteers, share your time and talents to continue making the arboretum a place that our community can enjoy.

Healthy Cookie Baking
This cold weather makes us all want comfort food. Learn how to make healthy comfort food at a presentation on Thursday February 21, 2019 at 12:30 p.m. titled “Healthy Cookie Baking with Sue Nichols” at the Montgomery Senior Center.

Sue is a Nutritionist with the Office for the Aging and will be discussing easy ways to make healthy baking substitutions in your recipes and you will make your own healthy cookies in her class. The Montgomery Senior Center will be hosting this free program, open to all, is sponsored by the O.C. Office for the Aging as part of their 2019 Health & Wellness Program. Sue visits the Senior Center on a regular basis and provides nutritional advice to interested individuals. Call the Center at 457-9367 with any questions.

Planning an event for 2019? The Senior Center is available for rental. For additional information, call the Village Clerk at (845) 457-9661.

Seniors don’t forget the Dial a Bus for your medical and shopping transportation. Call 457-2622, before noon.

Luau benefits Humane Society
Here is something to get you out of the house in this cold February weather. Put on your grass skirt as the Humane Society of Walden’s Annual $5k Luau Raffle Party is just around the corner. It will be from 2 - 5 p.m. on February 23 at the Newburgh Elks Lodge.

One ticket admits two to the raffle party. Included in the admission price are food and drink. First prize is $5,000! You need not be present to win. Arrive in your best luau fashion attire. The “Most Festive Dressed” will win a ticket to next years raffle party and a basket of goodies.

Come support our local Humane Society of Walden. Go to waldenhumane.org for more info.