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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

The Town of Blooming Grove had a big stack of projects for review for its April Work Session last week, including the intricate plans for approval of this year’s Annual Halloween “Witchingtonville” Events, some of which are being held at the Town’s Mays Sports Fields. Witchingtonville has become one of the Region's top Fall Events, and it takes a season of planning to become the success it has become in recent years. Washingtonville Event Committee’s Co-Chairs Patrick and J

April 15, 2026 - While April 2023 was an extraordinary fire emergency for residents around Round Hill Mountain and the valley beneath, it is also a reminder of the great respect we have, and must have for our brave first responders, our outstanding local Fire Departments some of which spent both days and nights fighting the scattering blazes for three days, others who came from Orange County Fire & Emergency Services, and also from New York State Rangers, as well as the treme

Washingtonville - Village is Getting an Interior Design Facelift It doesn't take much to brighten up an official space after years of dings and errant marks. A new coat of paint has graced the Washingtonville Village Hall Meeting Room. A bucket of paint and brush makes quite a difference, and they're not done yet. News & Events Discussed At last Monday's meeting: Steve Presser turns over the Deputy Mayor position to Vernon Coleman. Mayor DeVinko has made it a practice to r

College Using NYS Grant to Deliver Leadership Training to Bank Staff and Executives MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – SUNY Orange is using a State University of New York (SUNY) Workforce Development grant to support leadership training being offered to staff and executives at Walden Savings Bank, partnering with the bank to improve employee performance and internal communications in order to better serve customers and clients. The grant offsets 40 percent of the cost of the training, wh

Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) announced the appointment of Jacob Salzmann, a state and federal public servant, as Chief of Staff to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Senate office, including handling constituent services, grant coordination, community engagement, investigations, communications, and policy. Longtime Skoufis team member, Emma Corey, is relocating full time to the Senator’s Albany office, where she will serve as Director of Investigations & Seni

Vern Allen Park in the Village of Washingtonville was packed on Saturday with parents and children bundled up to buffer a very chilly breeze, with some of the littlest celebrants clad in heavy onesies and layers of snuggly blankets. Nevertheless Washingtonville is all about recognizing history, and taking advantage of opportunities to take a break from heavy workloads to visit with neighbors en masse, and this was an opportunity no one wanted to miss. Brightly Colored Easter

John Reilly III, who is the Town of Chester's Highway Superintendent has now been "Convicted of Assault in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Assault in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm." Reilly shot a delivery driver who was lost.

Bittersweet Thoughts and happy anticipation from Patrick and Justine Maiorino for an Easter Sunday full of nostalgia and hope! Easter Sunday marks our Final Official Day at 9 Goshen Avenue, a Place that has Held so many Wonderful Memories, Milestones, and Moments we’ll never Forget. From the first day we Opened our Doors on May 6th 2021 in the mist of a Very Challenging time to Start a Small Business, to every Laugh, Challenge, Community Event and Success along the way… thi

Did someone say Pony Rides, Photo Ops, and an Amazing Operation Bunny Drop? Our Friends at Celtic Valley Carriage will be dazzling with there Magical Unicorns Celine and Coupe de Ville! Photo Ops and Rides will be Available! Come Join the FUN at Washingtonville’s Great Easter Eggstravaganza Operation Bunny Drop] has something for Everyone.

FIFTY of the Washingtonville 5K Scholarship Race were clients and trainers from Body by Juli. Take a look below and see how well these advocates of a healthful style of living and Community Participation did in the race! The team of bodyfit TRAINERS and CLIENTS from Body by Juli made such an incredible showing, while participating at Washingtonville's 5K Scholarship Race this week. Body by Juli from both locations — Brotherhood Plaza and Suffern teams came together, supporti

The Odyssey of the Mind State Finals were held at the New York State Fairgrounds in Saturday, March 21st. Round Hill Elementary’s team won the State Championship title for Division 1, Problem 4: Life’s a Ball and will advance to the World Championship in Iowa in May. Congratulations to the team and their coaches, Ms. Vilchez and Ms. Hulbert on an amazing performance. Odyssey of the Mind is a national competition that teaches students how to be creative problem solvers, team

Entrance to the Village of Washingtonville at the Intersection of Route 208 and Woodcock Mountain Road, called its "Southern Gateway" at the border of the Village and Town of Blooming Grove Editorial There is no guarantee that the development design that the Village comes up with for the 150-acres of Casazza Farm Property will be accepted, but there is a huge step forward in the negotiations after years of trying to negotiate an agreement on what to do with the vast stretch

Village of Washingtonville, March 13, 2026 Walking in the front door of the attractive building, on West Main Street, one is immediately shocked with the beauty of the interior. Marc and Sandy Felix spared no detail, getting input and inspiration from numerous professional sources and the result is that the first thing that is surprising (in addition to how beautiful it is) is that the space appears about four times as large as one would expect. Then there are the glittering

Gray Fox by Kate Hyden "From the Low Mucklands to the Highlands to the Catskills, Art is Deeply Ingrained in our Region" Artists and Poets of the geographic region in which we live and work really love this place. The topography varies from the low mucklands of the Black Dirt area to the Hudson Highlands and the Catskill Mountains and the many waterways from creeks, brooks, and ponds to the mighty Hudson and the raging Delaware (during thaws). A few cities have developed at

The Cessna that was able to make a controlled landing in the Hudson River on one of this Winter's final frigid evenings, just before 8pm (images from Orange County Fire & Rescue) Both County Executive, Steve Neuhaus and Governor Kathy Hochul are calling it another "Miracle on the Hudson" after a Cessna that had taken flight on Long Island lost power and its pilot made a daring controlled landing in the Hudson River. The pilot, who had apparently been able to send a distress

Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than to join this MUSIC SEPTET as they present a brand new "Reunion Album" at SUNY ORANGE in Middletown. This will be a fun & free celebratory concert!

Cornwall Highway Superintendent Tom Gschwind and other area Highway Officials Gathered to request More Efficient & Increased Funding in NY 2026/2027 Budget Area Highway Superintendents and their staff met in Cornwall yesterday and met with Senator James Skoufis, Assemblyman Karl Brabanec, a representative of Assemblyman Brian Maher (who is away on a tour of duty), Orange County DPW Commissioner Eric Danega, and others, to hear details of a NY Budget request for major add

Honoring Sacrifice, Preserving Legacy: New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen, New York State Department of Veterans’ Services and Executive Deputy Commissioner Joel Evans The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Launches Purple Heart State Program at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor NEW WINDSOR, NY – The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) hosted a kickoff program today, Tuesday, February 24, 2

The Orange County Probation Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Office, New York , are asking for your help in locating individuals wanted on probation violation warrants. Every tip matters, and every share increases the likelihood that they’ll be found. See someone you recognize? Call in a tip: Probation: 845-291-4750 Sheriff’s Office: 845-291-4033 Help keep Orange County safe; like, share, and spread the word.

Washingtonville Army Veteran Chosen as New York’s Representative for the 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project (NEWBURGH, NY) – A local Purple Heart recipient has been chosen to be one of the nation’s 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees. U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) George Bates will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as New York’s representative at the multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s combat wounded. The Purple Heart Patriot Project is

Blooming Grove - In the beginning of January, New York's Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill that was intended to provide full property exemptions for Disabled Veterans. As you can imagine the details of eligibility were complex, to say the least. By the end of January municipal Treasurers were beside themselves trying to help veterans wanting to qualify. Blooming Grove's Town Assessor, Vanessa Kelder had (along with other area assessors) participated in numerous online and

You might think "Certification" would be a normal process for New York Police Departments. But this is a special level of Certification that requires significant additional training, at the end of which they are both trained to use advanced equipment, but are also provided with the appropriate equipment function with advanced skills. On Friday, February 13, Officials and 7 newly Certified Police Departments met at the Town of Chester Police Headquarters to be congratulated o

Organic Reckonings UPDATE Near the end of this brutally icy Winter, this Saturday a new Karen Gersch Art Display will be holding a (free) Reception in a warm and friendly environment at Kaplan Hall's Mindy Ross Gallery in Newburgh. This will, include a "Meet the Artist" opportunity and Classical Guitar music by Joy Zelada from 1:30 to 4pm at Kaplan Hall’s Mindy Ross Gallery. Gersch is a woman of vastly different talents who is quite adept at organizing and curating exhibits

Activity yesterday at the formerly vacant PEP BOYS site in the Village of Chester New York, with news that the Federal Government has purchased the site for future detainee holding. 2/13/26 10:34 am - Yesterday Spectrum and News12 announced they had confirmation that the Federal Government has proceeded and purchased the former PEP BOYS 401,000 sq. ft. warehouse on 35.9 acres in the Village of Chester for use by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). This is part of a p

At their February 3rd Washingtonville Village Board Meeting the primary topic of the evening was an official vote passing the 2026-2027 Budget which includes a 4% tax increase. The Village Board was well prepared and stood by their vows of full transparency in case any of the several frequently vocal residents disagreed with any of the line item expenditures. A 4% increase this year covers payments on the deficit loan they inherited, and is in line with the average of our n

And every week for amazing breakfasts, dinners, and yummy drinks at the bar. Bring someone special for an amazing Valentine's dinner! Amada's is open: Mon-Tues., Closed Weds.-Thurs. 11am to 9pm Fri.-Sat. 11am - 10pm Sunday 10:30am - 8pm 845-614-5613 6 Depot Street, Fulton Square, Washingtonville, NY Mosed Check out the menu of endless choices! And keep checking back. There is always something new being planned, plus birthday parties, office gatherings and other cele

Three new York Communities Receive Climate Smart Certification With smokey forest fires in northern Canada, dangerous heat waves, and flooding of our streets from more frequent and intense storms, the signs of climate change are upon us. To do our part to lessen its severity and help protect against the coming challenges, in 2022 Monroe registered to become a New York State Climate Smart Community (CSC). The CSC is a New York State program that helps local governments take ac

In the Village of Washingtonville, a new Fitness Center named Body by Juli took off like an Olympic Race last January, and continues to make its way to area Fitness and Wellness fans. Not only did Juli and her husband Colton taken four concrete walls in one of the Brotherhood Plaza buildings and proceed to make it a bright and cheery fitness and work space, they "get" this community and trimmed it in bright Wizard blue and golds. and then filled the space with just about eve

"Ensuring our seniors can retain their independence as they age is key to their quality of life. Many Orange County municipalities work hard to create those opportunities for seniors in their communities, and I was thrilled to join local seniors and elected officials this week to announce $717,000 in funding secured for Orange County senior centers. Cornwall, Middletown, Wallkill, New Windsor, Deerpark, Hamptonburgh, Mount Hope, Warwick, Blooming Grove, Highland Falls, Woodbu

This past week the group "All Aboard Hudson Valley, which is pushing for reliable rail transportation for those who live along the Western Shore of the Hudson River, for convenience and transportation to and from work, the Town of Cornwall passed a resolution for an official Feasibility.study : All Aboard Hudson Valley "Town of Cornwall Board unanimously adopts West Shore study resolution!!! Last night the All Aboard Hudson Valley West Shore Passenger Rail Feasibility Study R

What a treat for a bitter January-February Winter Season, and on into Spring! Dr. Jahn will beoffering these 15 Lectures at SUNY Orange, beginning this week. So mark your calendars. They are all FREE, and it is such a broad variety, that surely there are at least 5 or 6 that sound appealing for you. If you don't want to go out in the cold to drive to the Middletown Campus, invite a friend or a couple of friends to sit by the fireplace and watch it via ZOOM at home with some

Map of significant places along the Chester-Blooming Grove-Washingtonville-Salisbury Mills Stretch of the New Schunnemunk Rail Trail beginning constructioon. Representatives from Orange County Government, including Commissioner of Planning Alan Sorensen, and Commissioner of Orange County Parks, Travis Ewald attended a packed interactive session, at the Washingtonville Village Meeting Hall on Thursday evening (Jan. 15). Residents were eager with questions about the work they