Laura McNamee
By Laura McNamee
Happy Birthday to my nephew, Joseph McNamee, on August 15! I hope your brothers are ready to celebrate you!
On Sunday, July 12, residents of the Walden Heights on North Montgomery Street hosted a ceremony honoring the veterans of their building. Each veteran received a challenge coin from fellow residents and a certificate and coin from the Village of Walden.
Among the veterans was US Navy Veteran Herman Stelljes, who served as a Motor Machinist’s Mate Third Class 1944-1946. Herman was born in Germany and came to America when he was one year old. Around the age of seven his family moved up to the Walden area. Following in the footsteps of his two older brothers who were already in the service at the time, Herman enlisted at the age of 17. Herman remembers being in the Philippines when the war ended.
After the war he worked for four years in an apprenticeship on the Railroad and then attended school in New Haven. He served as the town building inspector for eight years and spent most of his life building houses.
Affectionately known as ‘Pop’ and ‘Honey’, Herman married his wife Joyce on November 24, 1946- nearly 80 years ago- and together they have two daughters, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The Walden Heights residents also presented Herman with a patriotic door wreath, and helped to collect the funds to have his military banner displayed in the village with fellow veterans of Walden. This coming January Herman will turn 100 years old!
News from the Library: Are you curious to know more about the transit system that moves millions of people each day? Then we invite you to check out the New York Transit Museum Pass. There is so much New York transit history hiding in plain sight. Take a ride through the subway with their expert guides from the NY Transit Museum; hear about the stories of transportation through the years. Visit stations old and new as you learn about the secrets of the subway, explore art and architecture, and view exclusive archival images from the Museum’s collection along the way. The Transit Museum also hosts a season of Old City Hall Station Walking Tours through August that are only available to Museum Pass holders. Stop in at the library’s Main Desk or call 845-778-7621 for more information on the NY Transit Museum and other passes!
Curious about how to do meditation but finding it difficult to leave the house or sit cross legged? Welcome to a free two-session online course, “Introduction to Chair-Based Breathing Meditation” offered 8 - 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23 by instructors at Tsechen Kunchab Ling Temple.
The first online class will cover posture and breathing, and the second online session will cover how to hold the mind. This type of breathing meditation has been scientifically demonstrated to calm the mind, enhance memory and focus, lower blood pressure, and help to regulate pain. Therefore it is recommended by many health professionals.
To join, when the class begins, open the Zoom app on your phone or computer and enter Meeting ID: 864 9980 6275 and Passcode: 227575. If you have questions, call 845-778-0113. This class is suitable for all ages and faith traditions.
Mark your calendars for a Guest Mission Speaker at First Reformed Church-First Reformed Church in Walden invites the community to a special worship service on Sunday, August 16, at 10 a.m. Guest speaker Tom Eggum, founder of Hope 4 Kids International, will share how God led him to begin the ministry and provide an update on its work serving children and families in need around the world. Everyone is welcome to attend this special morning of worship, encouragement, and missions. Join us at First Reformed Church in Walden on August 16 at 10 a.m. For more information, or to make a donation visit hope4kidsinternational.org
Pick up your kit for the Pinewood Derby Race! Kits can be purchased ($10-$15) at Music In The Grove on Wednesdays at Wooster Grove. The race will be held at the Walden Harvest Fest on Saturday, September 26. Adult, business and kid races will all take place, with many prizes to be won!
Museum Hours for the Historical Society of Walden and Wallkill Valley are 11a.m. - 4 p.m. on August 15, August 29th and September 12, for both the Shafer House and the Walden House.
Walden Rec is offering Little Acorns Fall Sport Clinics for Ages 5-7. It will be Saturdays September 12 - October 24, 10 - 11:30 a.m. with many sports. Registration is $40 per child. To register visit waldenrecreation.sportngin.com.
They are also organizing an Adult Kickball League on Saturdays September 12 - October 17 $20 per player, 18 and older. Games will take place at Bradley Park. Register today at waldenrecreation.sportngin.com.
Village of Walden Outdoor Soccer Registration is open. Boys and Girls Ages 5-13, games to tentatively begin in September and take place at Bradley Park on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6pm. Village of Walden Residents $50, Town of Montgomery Resident $60, plus online registration fee. To register visit waldenrecreation.sportngin.com or call 845-778-2177 x1524