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It was a trip back in time to the 60’s at Vern Allen Park on Saturday, with the “Mustang Band’s 60’s music, and it really felt like an alternate reality. After a hot Summer afternoon a cool breeze had attendees spread comfortably wide across the expansive lawn. The mood was relaxed while couples in their seventies and eighties took a nostalgic ride with the sounds of Twist & Shout and listened to the Everly Brothers croon “Dream, Dream, Dream” and the more cheerful refrains

7/29/2026 -A fun and educational evening drew several dozen Washingtonville residents to a presentation about a famous local millionaire native, David H. Moffat, after whom the Moffat Library is named, by Village Historian Jeanne Versweyveld. Jeanne Versweyveld, Village of Washingtonville Historian This was the first official theatre Event produced last week at the brand new Guilty Pleasures Cheesecakes Cafe on Depot Street in Washingtonville, since purchased by Patrick and J

HVCU CHARITABLE FOUNDATION AWARDS $550,000 IN GRANTS TO NONPROFITS ACROSS NEW YORK$383,900 Invested in 50 Mid-Hudson Valley Organizations MID-HUDSON VALLEY, NY (July 23, 2026) – Hudson Valley Credit Union (HVCU) announced that the HVCU Charitable Foundation recently awarded $550,000 in grants to 80 nonprofits across its 13-county footprint, helping to expand access to essential resources in four key categories of need – education, food, health and housing. A total of $383,90

Munsee Wolf Clan, LLC Launches Initiative to Preserve Indigenous Heritage, Expand Educational Opportunities, and Foster Tourism and Community Development July 21, 2026 Munsee Wolf Clan, LLC proudly announces the launch of a comprehensive initiative dedicated to preserving and protecting the history, language, traditions, and cultural heritage of all Indigenous people while creating lasting educational, economic, and community opportunities for future generations. Built on the

Right at our favorite MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, plans are still on to hold the FIFA Final World Cup at 3pm tomorrow (unless smoke from the California fires is heavy enough to cause a health risk). Amada's Kitchen, at 6 Depot Street in Washingtonville, has big screens and specials to celebrate the day, including drinks at half price, so grab a friend or two and have a drink and Taco ($2) or Chicken Wings ($1). This year's World Cup has been spectacular, with soccer stars

Storm wreckage last week in many areas of the Lower Hudson Valley One week ago, people in New York were still reeling from a Microburst and accumulations of 6 to 9 inches of rain in just over 24 hours. How did Blooming Grove and Washingtonville fare? Remarkably well. When the 250th Birthday of the United States on the 4th of July has awesome celebrations but also a lot of cancellations, you know the warnings of severe weather were correct. In some towns and cities there wer

This series is being offered at the SUNY- ORANGE Middletown Campus at the Rowly Center and is available both in person and via Zoom, at no charge.

Monroe Village Mayor, Alex Melchiorre had a special care for retrieving this time capsule since he was present when it was set in the earth 50 years ago. He clearly enjoyed having some very young children help dig it up...many with a little assist from their dads. Some day this young man will have a fond memory of digging the first shovel to unearth Monroe's Time Capsule Fathers and mothers are teaching their children some important lessons and joys about honoring the past. D

A display of some of the Village of Washingtonville's Colonial Era buildings was assembled by Jeanne Versweyveld. Above, Felix Versweyveld man's the table while below Jeanne Versweyveld, who is the Village Historian, describes details of the buildings to some interested residents. Wait! is that Ben Franklin, or Thomas Jefferson? A number of men made perfect images of what they described as the "Day After" the American Constitution was written. They said there was "much dis

Some 4th of July Events have canceled due to extreme heat or rescheduled Events due to potential thunderstorms- So if you are still looking for a place to celebrate come join us at L. Vern Allen Park at 5-10pm tonight. And nobody said you can't attend multiple events... this one has over 20 food vendors, live music, colonial displays, and more.. Village Police Chief, Brian Zaccaro has issued some helpful guidelines to help keep everyone safe:

Senator James Skoufis, District 42 (D) From the Office of Senator James Skoufis

As of 11:45 today and tomorrows races are posted as ON...with a post time of 1pm.! However, 2 people out of 10 on a Harness Racing page said they believed today may be canceled with 1pm forecast of 90 degrees. But the main Goshen Track Page still has it listed as ON! Saratoga racing is also as of now listed as ON. We are sure that if races proceed today the horses will receive lots of extra TLC... and fortunately the race itself only lasts for a few minutes. We applaud the G

WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW It may seem like November elections are a long time off. But if the candidates you like have a Primary Contest and don't win it their chance to win November's election is exceedingly slim... they would have to come up with a different party to run under or count on write-in votes. And even if you don't have a favorite that is in a primary, now is the time to start taking November's New York elections seriously. Local officials already ran for their posit

Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County), Assemblymember Chris Eachus (D-New Windsor), and Morgan Slocombe, Regional Representative for Governor Hochul, announced $4 million was secured in the recently enacted state budget to purchase and renovate the St. Patrick’s Education Center in Highland Mills. They were joined by Woodbury Town Supervisor Jacqueline Hernandez, Village of Woodbury Mayor Andrew Giacomazza, and many local residents. Located at 26 Hunter Street, the Educati

Robert Steven Samuelson of Campbell Hall, NY, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous seven-month battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 77 years old. He was known to his loved ones as Bob, Bobby, Dad, Grampa, and—most affectionately—Mean Old Uncle Bob. Each one of those names carried a special memory, a story and a piece of the big-hearted man behind them. Born on July 13, 1948, in Brooklyn, NY, Bob moved to Washingtonville, N

Center of the historic Village of Washingttonville Editorial After several years and many thousands of dollars completing a new Comprehensive Plan for the Village, the owners of the Southern Gateway to the Village and very beginning of the Catskill Mountains and Tourism attractions, the owners of the spectacular Southern Gateway View (and one of the last large open space views) made yet another attempt to convince the Village to use it for a new "affordable housing developmen

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Washingtonville's new Village Hall Design shows a classic professionalism with the dark colors and simplicity. And, by the way, Mayor DeVinko shared that the stark black background in the meeting room will eventually be filled with photos of historic Washingtonville people and events. Mayor Tom DeVinko and other board members were full of smiles and offers of assistance as they approved and vowed to support a proposed Eagle Scout project which was presented by Rory Finnerty.

During what was one of the most packed Public Hearings in a year or two at Blooming Grove's Town Hall, about a dozen residents spoke eloquently, suggesting additional conditions to a 25-page set of guidelines that the Town Board has assembled to update its tree-cutting code. Residents have had it with developers who come in and nearly shave the earth of the shade and roots it needs to control temperature and water flow. Each speaker spoke first about their appreciation for t

First Presbyterian Church of Washingtonville - an Official Historic Landmark Due to the hard work of church members and Washingtonville officials, the First Presbyterian Church has become a Landmark, passed by a unanimous vote of the Washingtonville Village Board at its June 1 meeting, and this brings some very important advantages. While the building is for sale it will currently remain an active congregation, and NOW IT CANNOT BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT AN ACT OF THE NEW YORK

SOUTH BLOOMING GROVE INDEPENDENCE COMPANY LEADS THE PARADE OF FIRETRUCKS GOD BLESS THEM ON THEIR LIFESAVING WORK! First Responders would like to be home at a barbecue like everyone else on Memorial Day, but they also love showing their Community Pride by shining up for a big Parade. The weather wasn't great for barbecues on Monday anyway, but they sure got their shine on for the Parade. A group of senior fans who have watched more emergencies than most of us, know what "Ser

Naomi Sewell Richardson Memorial Park is just a block from the Center of the Village of Washingtonville. There will be plenty of exciting activities coming there soon, so stay tuned! A big "Thank You" from Jean Campbell-Galli who is the "Lead" for this project and recognizes the fun and hard work this team is accomplishing:

OSI Leads at NY Land Trust Conference At the Land Trust Alliance’s 2026 New York Conference, OSI staff joined land trust leaders to share tools, exchange ideas, and celebrate recent successes. Continuing the organization’s long tradition of conservation leadership, OSI’s Julia Feller co-led a three-hour workshop demonstrating how land trusts and others can use forest carbon data and online mapping tools to guide conservation investments and highlight the climate benefits of

Bridge Photos courtesy of the Open Space Institute West Point Cadet Bridge Crossing the Moodna Creek 258-Acres of land on the border of the Towns of Chester and Blooming Grove celebrated its new identity this week as Orange County's first new County Park with a beautiful new bridge constructed across the Moodna Creek. The official bridge ribbon-cutting is thanks to the Cadets of West Point who just completed its construction. County Executive, Steve Neuhaus, recently announ

The Ancient Order of Hibernians Bagpipes of Orange County, always a favorite in Washingtonville and other area Parades! Steeped in history, love for its first responders and veterans, the Village of Washingtonville was on edge all week, wondering if their Memorial Day Parade was going to be ruined. Plans were rearranged and modified so that the Washingtonville High School's band instruments would not be ruined if it turned into a downpour. But Mayor Tom DeVinko and his wife

Sadly, due to the consistently rainy weather today, the McDaniel Brothers' Annual Carnival at Very Allen Park in Washingtonville was canceled due to safety concerrns today. Check back on the "We the People of Washingtonville" website for first notice whether it will be open or again canceled tomorrow (Sunday) and Monday since rain is forecasted to continue.

Pictured right to left: Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County), Assemblymember Chris Eachus, (D-New Windsor) Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson (D-Newburgh) On Saturday May 22 - Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) alongside Assemblymembers Jonathan Jacobson (D-Newburgh), Chris Eachus (D-New Windsor), and Paula Kay (D-Rock Hill (not shown), announced a three year extension of the Orange County IDA monitor’s term, as well as an expansion of the oversight and authority necessary

McDaniels Brothers Shows Sponsored by Washingtonville Knights of Columbus Hours: Friday, May 23 - 6pm to 10pm Saturday, May 24 - 3pm to 10pm Sunday, May 25 - 3pm to 10pm Monday, May 26 - 2pm to 8pm One Price Wristbands for Unlimited Rides - $30 Separate tickets available each day

Editorial Hilde of Lake Hildegarde with her SEVEN new cygnets For many years Switzerland has said that one of, if not THE most sensitive measure of its Country's Environmental Health Status is the number and health of its Swan Population. This is because they are particularly sensitive to any negative impacts in the Swiss environment. Having been a big fan of the Mute Swans in Lake Hildegarde for over 25 years (I drive by and watch them nearly every day during the months (a

Pink Hydrangeas A solo show of works by pastelist Vaune Sherin is on display in Orange Hall Gallery Loft , May 12 through June 17, 2026. Entitled Hudson Valley Inspiration ~ a solo show by pastelist Vaune Sherin of paintings inspired by the beauty of the Hudson Valley, demonstrates the artist’s appreciation and admiration of the Hudson Valley region. All of her works are created using pastels which have established a signature look identifying them as hers. Great Blue Heron S

While tonight's Public Hearing on the proposed Blooming Grove Tree Code has been rescheduled to 6/2 at 7pm, the topic has already received a lot of public response. This additional time will present additional opportunity for residents to discuss and develop their opinions about it, and the Board to consider modifications.. Further, since the Tree Code discussion was the main focus of tonight's meeting, there will be NO Meeting tonight, 5/12 Notice will be distributed about

While it’s great to have some DiY skills and the enthusiasm to do home fixes on your own, it is critical to know your limits. A landlord and tenant learned that the hard way in Blooming Grove last week when they tried to repair a sewer line themselves. Apparently believing it was “just a clogged pipe” they opened the pipe and tried to clean it out by themselve! The sewage drained out in the home’s basement. (yes, you read that right). This was a Town-supplied line and at th

Recent landscaping work at the former Camp LaGuardia/future New County Park site has left generous tree buffers. They provide many benefits including buffering of wind, rain and snow, noise, shade, and naturally occuring drainage. This site shares over 200 acres of land between the Town of Chester and the Town of Blooming Grove along which the new Schunnemunk Western Rail Trail Branch is now being created. Tomorrow evening the Town of Blooming Grove will be holding a Public

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With family, friends, and his fellow members of the Blooming Grove Police Department, Christopher Scerbak was sworn in as an official new Blooming Grove Police Officer on Tuesday evening, May 5. The event culminated in loud cheers and applause, along with new photos for the family album. Officer Scerbak has an impressive record for previous investigative work he accomplished for New York. Town Clerk, Darlena Decker officiated the swearing in and gave Officer Scerbak his Bloom

Something special is always going on at Amada's Kitchen (except on Mondays), but this week is REALLY SPECIAL. Live Music & a Show for Cinco de Mayo, TOMORROW (May 5), beginning at 5PM, and at the new favorite Orange County Mexican Restaurant you know it's going to be a humdinger! And Spring is finally here, so the beautiful Patio is now OPEN! YES!, Modelo Specials will be available! THEN, on Sunday, May 10, there will be a Mother's Day Special, including Live music, dancing

Some of the 30 Yard Sales planned in the Village of Washingtonville for yesterday and today are still open until 4pm, and sometimes when a lot of the goodies are gone is when you can find the best deals! The 3 below were the busiest that I saw when I went to check how the sales were going yesterday. The last picture is my awesome find of the yesterday.... Of course while checking them out I couldn't resist taking home one treasure - a stunning antique lamp at 75 West Main St

This beautiful historic Presbyterian Church is just a few hundred feet from the center of the Village of Washingtonville on Goshen Ave (Route 208). Its structure was first built in 1847 and it is widely considered as the second oldest church in the area. This church is also known for having held early services in the 1840's (before the structure was built) and establishing the Washingtonville Cemetery in 1854, which is the resting place for numerous well-known local figures

Complaints of gunshots on Craigville Road in the early morning of April 22 brought Blooming Grove Police to the scene assisted by State Police, Chester Police, the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Chester Police Officer Dunlop and K9 "Lou". Nine charges were filed, as listed in the report below, and the suspect was arraigned and brought to the custody of the Orange County Jail with a fixed bail set at $100,000. This is yet another example of the extraordinary cooperation of Bl

The sun is making an effort today between spotty rain showers, and buds of flowers are ready to burst open. Astoundingly, I even had several of what I thought were long dead hydrangea blooms from last that I plucked and tossed on the ground pop open in pink yesterday. It may be on and off rainy this afternoon but tomorrow is forecast for almost 60 degrees and partly SUNNY ....and the roadways are a disgrace with trash... so let's get "pickin" and keep us proud to bear the na

Warwick's experience of having a battery backup facility was a near disaster, with several fires that continued to reignite, and emit hydrogen cyanide. Officials determined that the certification was missing. The land has since been condemned. At last week's Blooming Grove April Workshop Meeting, a presentation began as a very pleasant and informative session about the potential status of an electric grid battery storage system at a "site" in Blooming Grove (Editor's Note: It