By Sue Wiand
Trivia Tidbit: on September 17th will be the Harvest Moon. Technically, the Harvest Moon is the Full Moon closest to the September equinox around September 22. The Harvest Moon is the only Full Moon name determined by the equinox rather than a month. Most years, it’s in September, but around every three years, it falls in October.
This Full Moon is the Corn Moon from the Native American tribes harvesting their corn. Harvest Moon corresponds with the Anglo-Saxon name, while Celtic and Old English names are Wine Moon, Song Moon, and Barley Moon. There will be a partial Moon eclipse that night as well and you can visit the website below to see where it can be viewed – North America is part of the viewing area.
Thank you to https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/ for the meaning. I will be checking in with them each month for an update.
Community Spotlight:
Walker Valley’s own Harold & Florence Smith celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on August 29th 2024. They were married on August 29th 1954 at Saint Margaret’s Catholic Church in Selden, NY. The family came together on Sunday August 25th to renew their wedding vows at the Church of the Infant Saviour in Pine Bush, NY. In 1973 the couple moved from Long Island to Walker Valley. Both are members of the Walker Valley Seniors and enjoy traveling with the group. Harold is a veteran of the Korean War and Florence is a retired administrative assistant for the English department at Orange County Community College where she worked for 20 years. The couple have 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Harold & Florence continue to enjoy traveling and spending quality time with their family to create more memories.
I think I speak for everyone here in Walker Valley, in congratulating them on 70 years together and wishing them many more happy blessed years. Happy 70th Anniversary Harold & Florence! Thanks to daughter Sharon Gomez, who lives in Florida, for sharing this info with the community.
Activities and Events:
Saturday September 14:
The Walker Valley Fire Company will be holding a blood drive from 9am to 3pm at the firehouse, 3679 Route 52 Walker Valley. Check-in at https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/323228 for available appointment times. Walk-ins are welcome but will be handled only if time/space allows. [note:drive_schedule].
Thursday September 19
In the Pine Bush Library Community Center from 1-2pm, Bill and Sue Wiand will be sharing over 30 years of experience in learning how to ‘feel’ or ‘see’ body energy fields; how to see auras; and experience all sorts of ‘energy fields’ that we exist with each and every day. This is going to be a total hands-on class where you, the participant, get to ‘play’ with all of the techniques they have been taught over the years in the integrative health field. Prior knowledge and experience with body/earth energy fields is beneficial. If you have techniques to share, please bring them with you!
Friday September 20
The annual ‘Autumn Dance’ to support our veterans and our community is scheduled from 6:30-9:30pm at the Catholic War Veterans social hall, 161 Center St, Pine Bush NY. The entertainment for the evening will be the ever popular ‘The Mustangs ‘65’! For tickets call Mike 914.850.5417 or Dan 845.699.6719 and the tickets are $15 pp or $25 per couple. Tickets should be paid for and picked up at least 10 days before the event. There are only 125 tickets available and if any remain at the night of the event, they will be available for $20 each at the door. Please: no outside beverages of any kind allowed but you may bring chips/pretzels/snacks for sharing. Cash bar will be available.
Saturday September 21
‘Salute Saturdays’ with Heroes, Cowboys & Companions, 2208 Route 52, Pine Bush NY. On the 3rd Saturday of each month this organization holds activities for Active Duty, Veterans & First Responders. All Saturday events start out with snacks and socializing from 10:00am-12:00noon followed with a demonstration on relationship building skills with horses; Q&A until 1:00pm when the main activity begins. This day will be Cowboy Roping with Joey Santos & Pro Rodeo Ropers. “Okay, let’s pony up as they say. We have seen it in movies and watched it on TV. Ever wonder how they do it? Come out and see it for yourself.” Follow the Heroes, Cowboys & Companions on Facebook. Please RSVP to Dwayne or Jacque at 845.869.5336 (call or text); heroesandcowboys@gmail.com or visit them at www.heroescowboysandcompanions.com.
• ‘The Hilltop Experience’ presents Music at the Cragsmoor Stone Church with Trina Basu & Arun Ramamurthy, Indian violin duo. Show is at 7pm and for more information call 800-275-8777 or visit them at www.cragsmoorstonechurch.org. The historic stone church is located at 280 Henry Rd., Cragsmoor NY and is a very beautiful location so bring your camera!
• The Wallkill Lions Club will hold their annual Steak Dinner at 5pm in the Lions pavilion at Popp’s Park, Route 208 in the hamlet of Wallkill NY. Menu consists of grilled strip steak, baked potato, corn on the cob, baked beans and salad. Dine in menu includes appetizers, dessert and beverages. Take out available. Cost is $30.00 donation. Reach out to any Wallkill Lion for tickets or call/text 845.926.0268 or 518.821.7214.
• The Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corp., 231 1st St., hamlet of Wallkill NY will be holding another blood drive from 9am-2pm. To schedule an appointment please call 1-800-redcross or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: WALLKILLAMB.
• The annual Pine Bush Lions Harvest Festival will be held from 10am to 4pm with a rain date of Sun. Sept. 22nd. Event is held on Main St. between Route 302 and Center St. with the Famers Market out on New St., vendors galore, entertainment in both gazebos - behind 65 Main St. in Crawford Commons and next to the UFO Museum at 86 Main St. in Crawford Center and much more. Follow them on Facebook or visit pbharvestfest.com/ for more information and vendor application details or email PBHarvestfest@gmail.com.
Sunday September 29:
The Cragsmoor Fire Company is holding their first ever bowling tournament fundraiser at Quinnz Pinz, 13 Railroad Ave., Middletown NY. $100 entry fee per team of 3-4. Lane sponsors available for $25 per lane. They have room for 18 teams with sign-up at 12:30pm and bowling starts at 1pm. Email cragsmoorfirecompany@gmail.com for further info. and applications.
Saturday October 12:
Shawangunk Valley Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary is still looking for vendors for their Craft Fair scheduled for Sat. Oct. 12th from 10am to 4pm. This will be a rain or shine event with indoor and outdoor spaces available. 10x10 Indoor space is $60, includes an 8’ table and 2 chairs. 10x10 Outdoor space is $40, bring your own tent, table & chairs. Contact the auxiliary for an application at SVFCauxiliary@gmail.com.
Reminders:
The Walker Valley Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary is in full swing with their annual $$ raffle which will be drawn on Nov. 7th at their monthly meeting. Prizes are 1st=$500; 2nd=$250 & 3rd=$125. Price of tickets is $2.00 each or $10 for 6. Be on the lookout for the ladies out and about in the community or if you know an auxiliary member ask for some tickets.
The Borderline Deli has a classic car/truck show on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month thru Oct. from 5-7pm. Trophies are awarded on the 4th Monday. Stop by and check them out at 1218 Burlingham Rd., Pine Bush NY and if you have any questions call 845.744.3354.
UFOS [United Friends Observer Society] support group meets on the 1st Weds. of the month in the UFO Museum, 86 Main St. Pine Bush NY at 7-9pm. Call 845.524.4272 or 845.744.3143 for further info.