BACKPACKS FOR FOOD
People didn’t forget Backpacks for Food (BFF) over the holidays. There was a lot of support for the organization that provides weekend meals for needy students.
Some folks sent donations in honor or in memory of friends or relatives. One family decided to send their gifts to BFF instead of exchanging presents with one another. A woman, who was celebrating a milestone birthday, asked well-wishers not to buy her things she didn’t need. Instead she asked them to contribute to BFF.
Sally Mattausch, the organization’s co-leader, was overwhelmed by the generosity of others. “It’s amazing,” she wrote, “how creative people can be when they care about the hungry children in our community.”
BFF packs bags of food at the Cornwall Presbyterian Church (222 Hudson Street) on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Volunteers are welcome.
A total of 40 students in the middle or elementary schools are getting weekend meals. An invitation will go out to eligible families in February, reminding them that they can join the program.
COMMITTEES
The Town Board filled three out of four vacancies this week. It appointed Rowland Thomas to the Board of Ethics and John Alva to the Board of Assessment Review. It also picked Mark Bruschi for one of the two openings on the Conservation Advisory Committee.
The board met with the candidates before its Jan. 12 meeting. “It was one of the more enjoyable interview processes,” Supervisor Randy Clark said.
BUS TRIP
The Town Recreation Department has scheduled a March 2 bus trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show.
The bus leaves Town Hall at 7:30 a.m. and returns at 8 p.m. This year’s show features the magic of movies and horticulture. There are large-scale gardens, elaborate landscapes and exotic flower arrangements. Across the street is the historic Reading Terminal Market.
For prices and reservations, call the Recreation Department at 534-2070.
WOMEN’S BUILD
It makes sense that a fundraiser to help the women who build homes for Habitat for Humanity would feature a lineup of all-star female performers.
The event takes place on Sunday, Jan. 25 at the upper level of the Orange County Choppers Headquarters in Newburgh. There’s a moderate admissions fee that includes tickets for the raffle table.
The program starts at 3 p.m. Lunch is available. People can contact Ilene Osinski (220-7623 or iosinski@hvc.rr.com) to make reservations. Men are welcome.
PUBLICATION
Jaimie Hope, a local author, launched her own business in the fall. It’s called “Back to Basics Publishing,” and it covers everything from editing to promoting.
On Jan. 2, her company released “Squishy Face and the Moon,” an illustrated children’s book by Jennifer Oneal Gunn. The book is available at www.amazaon.com. Miss Hope can be reached at back2basicspublishing@gmail.com.
PET VACCINATIONS
County residents can get free rabies vaccinations for their cats, dogs or ferrets at the Town of Wallkill’s Dennis Cosgrove Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 22. People can pre-register by calling Town Clerk Louisa Ingrassia at 692-7826.
