Happy Thanksgiving to all. May you be blessed each and every day with all life’s best.

A reminder in observance of Thanksgiving village offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 25 and 26.

Michael Bliss and the Parks & Recreation staff send a really Big “Thank You” to the Melville-McIver Family for once again donating a Christmas tree to the Village of Walden for their annual tree lighting event. Thank you also to C Camp Commercial Services Inc. for donating their crane services to put the tree in place; to Fred Perna and the DPW staff; Mike Bliss and Parks & Recreation Staff; Chief Bill Herlihy and Police Staff.

The event will be held in the Village Square as outlined in this column on December 2, at 6:30 p.m. (Details listed below.)

Sadie Evans Magill celebrated her 2nd birthday on November 22. Her Nonna, Sandy Magill and yours truly, her Great Grandmother, as well as many area friends, send “Happy Birthday” wishes to this special young lady who truly brings much joy into everyone’s life.

Belated Happy Anniversary greetings from Walden Rotary Club members to Francoise and Patrick Pierre who celebrated their special day on November 23. Never too late to send this special couple a greeting. Walden Rotary Club members also wish Mike Hayes a very Happy Birthday on November 25. WOW turkey and gifts too!

Willie Carley, Walden’s Deputy Mayor will celebrate his birthday on November 26.Walden Village Board members, family and friends wish him the best day ever!

I send Happy Birthday greetings to my very special brother, Lenny Portuondo on November 27 and to his beautiful wife, Kathy Portuondo, my special “Sister” on November 28. They look forward to receiving their copy of the Wallkill Valley Times each week. Family and friends wish them all life’s best!

Walden Sunshine Society members send Yvonne Moretti special birthday wishes on November 29 with a big thank you for all she does for everyone.

Kristie Hall sent me an update on the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser. The 14th annual head shaving event took place on November 13, 2021 at the Union House Inn. This year’s event raised over $38,000 (and still counting) bringing their 14 year total over $510,000! More than half a million dollars has been raised in our community for childhood cancer! This year the event was dedicated to Griffin Masterson. Griffin fought a hard battle against Ewing’s Sarcoma and unfortunately, he gained his wings on December 12 at age 19.

Maureen and Jason Swinger from Fox Hill Bruderhof send word that the Holiday Craft Sale originally scheduled for November 18 has been postponed to Saturday, December 4, 12 to 4 p.m. Please visit and check out the beautiful holiday gifts you won’t find anywhere else, crafted by Fox Hill Bruderhof artisans, all on display in their post-and-beam craft shed and heated tent.

Also enjoy free cookies, coffee and camaraderie as well as live music. Please use the 10 Coleman Road entrance. Proceeds from the sale will benefit local food pantries and soup kitchens over the Christmas Season.

The Walden Humane Society, 2489 Albany Post road, Walden will hold their next great indoor yard sale on Saturday, December 4, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Many new items come in every week. Find many holiday treasures. Above all - all purchases benefit the care of the animals at the shelter. Need information? Call the shelter at 778-5115.

The Walden Community Council will hold their annual Home Decorating Contest for 2021. Judging will be on creativity, originality and artistic endeavors. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Pick up and drop off entries at the Josephine-Louise Public Library. Entries must be completed by 12/17/21. Judging will take place on 12/19/21/ Winners will be notified by phone or in person on 12/21/21. For information please call Sandy Magill at 845-401-2795.

The Walden Recreation & Parks Department will hold their Christmas in the Square featuring Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 2 in Municipal Square. Events begin at 6:30 p.m. There will be a Live Nativity by Freedom Road Bible Church, Christmas carols by the New York School of Music, holiday music provided by the Walden Elementary School Choir and Santa’s arrival and tree lighting.

Free Hot Chocolate provided by Thruway Ace Hardware. Walden PTO will have Arts & Crafts in the Square. Operation Dalmatian will be accepting donations. Following the outside event all are welcome to visit St. Andrew’s Church Hall for a FREE photo with Santa and refreshments. Must wear masks inside St. Andrew’s Hall.

Looking forward to having Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 5th, 8 a.m. - noon at the Walden V. F. W. Post 2946.Children 5 and under are FREE; age 6 - 9 $5.00; 10 and up - $10.Photos with Santa are $5 each.
All proceeds benefit Cancer aid and research! This event is sponsored by the Relay for Life Team; Dawn’s Dream and the Walden V. F. W. Post 2946

Cantor Nava Herzog of Congregation Beth Hillel invites you to attend their 8th Night of Chanukah candle lighting celebration on the front lawn of their synagogue at 20 Pine Street, Walden. This first time historic event is scheduled for Sunday, December 5 at 5 p.m.

All are welcome to attend this special celebration.

The Montgomery Nursing Home and Family Council are holding a Holiday Food Drive for the Orange County Veterans Food Pantry in Goshen, NY; the Town of Montgomery Food Pantry, Montgomery, NY; and New Day Food Pantry, Wallkill, NY. Please send checks by December 15 made out to your choice of pantry to Montgomery Nursing and Rehabilitation, 2817 Albany Post Road, Montgomery, N. Y, 12549 Att: Denise Weiss (Activities Director) Food Drive.
Thank you for your support.

The Josephine-Louise Public Library sends the following news:
The Library Board of Trustees will meet on Wednesday, December 1, 6:30 p.m. (Note change of time). The public is welcome to attend.

Our Tail Waggin’ Tutor, Sadie, will be at the library on Monday, December 6, 5:30 p.m. She loves a crowd but is particularly fond of children who stop in and read to her!

Magic - The Gathering Club will meet on Saturday, December 4, 2 - 4 p.m. Magic is a card game where you are a ‘wizard’ with the purpose of defeating opposing ‘wizards’. You are welcome to bring your own cards or use the library’s cards. This program is open to ages 13 years and up. For questions, please call the Main Desk (845) 778-7621 or email Dan at dantonna@rcls.org.

All aboard for Bob & Diane Sandbothe’s Annual Holiday Train Display! Bob’s personal collection of trains will be “running” on Saturday, December 11, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Bring the family for hot chocolate, cookies, and grab bag prizes!