Happy 90th birthday to Joyce Teehan today, Nov. 16! She would love to hear from family and friends - mail a card to her at 17 New Street, Walton, NY 13856. Hope it’s a wonderful day.
Townsend School is doing the “Let’s Talk Turkey” fundraiser, a tradition I’m proud is continuing. Students bring in some change to drop into the bucket in the office, and the donations are given to the Walton Food Bank. The goal is to “buy” a turkey from every classroom. The money is collected throughout November, and the money given to the food bank reimburses the bank for the baskets they distributed for Thanksgiving and gives them a start on Christmas. But the bigger point of the fundraiser is to teach the children about giving back to the community. No amount is too large or too small. If possible, just send some change in to school during November for the kids to bring to the office to donate. Thanks in advance.
The Walton Theatre will show the intimate portrait of the legendary folk singer Joan Baez, sponsored by Music on the Delaware to be shown on three times - Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m.; and Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. The film is not a traditional concert movie but a portrait of Joan Baez, the folk singer and activist. The film shifts back and forth through time and follows Baez on her final tour and delves into her extraordinary archive, including newly discovered home movies, diaries, artwork, therapy tapes and audio recordings. Baez is remarkably revealing in the film about her life on and off stage from her emotional struggles to her civil rights work with Martin Luther King and a heartbreaking romance with Bob Dylan. This film is only being shown at limited venues so we are proud to be able to feature it. For more information, www.musiconthedelaware.org
The First United Methodist Church has had a gift basket silent auction for many years organized by Janice Foley. She worked to bring this about every year and raised money to help the church’s Altar Family for the holidays. I had the pleasure of working with Janice to advertise the event and help find a family that could use a helping hand. This year, her friends in the church are having one more basket auction in her honor. Join them at 101 North Street Saturday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. Your $5 admission includes a bidding/door prize ticket, a generous slice of layer cake and a bottomless cup of beverage (coffee, tea, hot chocolate or milk). The entry ticket is required to bid or for door prizes. There will be many varieties of baskets available; the successful bidder must pay at the close of the auction. There will be many door prizes drawn throughout the event. Bid between 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; basket distribution will begin at 12:15. As in the past, 20% of proceeds goes to the altar family the church selects.
The First United Methodist Church is also hosting a new meeting called the “3 Cs” - Coffee, Conversation, Community and snacks, Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. The topic will change each week but is for those looking for peace in their storms, who want to learn more about Scripture, or who are seeking some company and fellowship. All are welcome.
New Hope Community Church has a grief group that meets weekly, but they are hosting a one-time event, “Grief and Share, Surviving the Holidays” on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. at the church. For more information contact Denise at 631-327-3118 or Pam at 607-363-7661.
The Trout Creek Ladies Auxiliary will have a spaghetti and meatball dinner Saturday, Nov. 18 from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Trout Creek Fire Hall. Adults $12, kids 12 and under $6 but kids two and under are free. The menu includes garlic bread, garden salad and your choice of dessert and drink. Takeouts available.
The Rainbow Lodge hunters dinner and annual auction will take place at the restaurant Saturday, Nov 18. Join the Delaware Shrine Club and Kalurah Shriners for the auction to benefit Shriners activities. Bidding will be for sealed bags valued at $15 or more and range from crafts, hunting related items and other unique items. Auction starts at 6:30 so stop down and grab some dinner and stay for the fundraiser.
The Hamden Hill Ridge Riders will sponsor a hearty benefit breakfast Sunday, Nov. 19 from 8 am-12 noon at their clubhouse, 1021 Covert Hollow Road in Hamden; free will offering. Come meet club members and learn what the club is about. Handicap accessible; takeouts are available. This time the proceeds will be donated to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital in memory of Ridge Riders member Jon Armstrong.
The First Baptist Church, Townsend Street, will hold its annual woman’s fellowship pie sale Wednesday, Nov. 22 from 8 - 11 a.m. There will also be homemade crafts and holiday décor. In the past they took pre-orders, but this year it is first come, first served so get there early for the best selection. Apple, pumpkin, berry, pecan, custard, mincemeat, quiches and pumpkin rolls will be on the tables. Make your life a little easier for Thanksgiving dessert and grab a delicious homemade pie from them.
The First Congregational Church, UCC in Walton is bringing back their free turkey dinner Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 22. As in the past, it will be a drive-through / pick up dinner between 3 – 5 p.m. The menu will be turkey casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce and apple crisp for dessert. Reservations will be required beginning Monday, Nov. 16, by calling the church at 607–865–4066. No reservations will be taken before that date and reservations are limited to 4 meals per order.
The in-person Community Thanksgiving Dinner returns and will be held Thursday, Nov. 23 - Thanksgiving Day - 11:30-2 p.m. at the Walton Fire Hall. The public is invited to enjoy a time of thanksgiving, fellowship, and community while enjoying the traditional fixings of a full Thanksgiving dinner. Takeout will be available for pick up 11:30-12:30 only. Call 607-865-8211 and leave a message. Leave your name, phone, choice of squash or corn, choice of apple or pumpkin pie.
Delivery is only available for the homebound or seniors without transportation in the village, and only with advance reservation by leaving a message.
But the dinner is for everyone in our community. There are no income guidelines, and no restrictions. Just come if you want some company and good food.
I’m very excited! The new Christmas lights went up Sunday and they will be lit for the Christmas parade! The parade, sponsored by the Walton Lions, is Friday, Nov. 24 and lineup is at the bus garage at 5:30 for takeoff at 6 p.m. All with Christmas spirit are welcome. Only two rules - no living Santas (he and Mrs. Claus come at the end of the parade), and no throwing candy off floats. If you want to distribute candy, have people walking alongside who can throw the candy close to the sidewalks. We don’t want kids running into the street. Participate as a club, group, family, or team. You can have a float or walk, and you have music or not, but we’d love to have a big parade. I already have about 15 groups so it should be great. The route starts at the bus garage, left onto Delaware Street, down the street to turn right on Bridge Street, then turn right again onto Water Street and come back to the tree at Veteran’s Plaza. There Santa and Mrs. Claus will light the tree, we will have a small dedication to the late George Ostrowski, and some caroling at the tree. After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their way over to meet children at the Walton Theatre after the parade. The Townsend School fourth and fifth grade chorus will perform a couple of songs in the theatre around 6:45 p.m.
UHS DVH will have a set up to take free pictures of kids or families at the theatre, and you can snap some yourselves. The Walton Chamber of Commerce will provide cookies and hot chocolate as you wait. If Santa is not your scene after the parade, stop at TA’s Place for a free slice of pie and coffee, tea or hot chocolate with a free will donation for DVH Auxiliary in honor of my mom, Mary Hunter. Come and support this event at TAs if you can.
Saturday, Dec. 9 you can see Santa again when the Walton Chamber sponsors him at Molto Molto from 9 to 11 am. Come give him your list, or take a picture. Other surprises and treats may be available. Then be sure to stroll Delaware Street for some extra shopping.
The Wm. B. Ogden Library will be having a “Sit With Santa” event at the library after he leaves Molto Molto, so if an afternoon visit fits better in your schedule that day, stop in to see him there from 11:00-12:30! Your visit there will include a free book, cookies and milk and a simple craft.
Saturday, Nov. 25 is the annual Spend the Day in Walton, and the Chamber flier with discounts and specials at the Walton businesses will be available later this week. Look for it in stores and on Facebook - already over 20 events and specials are planned.
Please plan to shop in town on this Small Business Saturday, with our friends and neighbors right here in Walton. These locally owned businesses support all of us, so let’s support them too. There will be a free tram available again to get around the shopping district for your convenience. Just go wait at the stops by the Castle, Vet’s Plaza, Robinson’s Auction Barn, the Walton Theatre, Ren-Rest, and the corner on North and East across from YOLO. The tram will make a loop around these stops between 10 am – 2 pm and you can hop on or off at your time frame to get to all the stores.
Other Walton Chamber of Commerce contests for the season include the barrels on Delaware Street being done by businesses and individuals for the winter season. There are currently just two barrels left to be assigned! If possible, have your barrel done by the parade on Nov. 24. The annual Christmas lighting contests for businesses and homeowners will also again be sponsored. Contact me on Facebook or by email to enter the lighting events. Judging by Dec. 16.
The Walton Chamber of Commerce will host a gingerbread house contest at Castle on the Delaware’s Christmas Craft Fair from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov 25. Completed entries need to be brought in between 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. for judging. Two categories: 12 and under and 13 and up. There will also be children’s games - Santa Pong and a Snack Walk with prizes to entertain the kids while you shop.
The Walton Grange will have a craft and vendor show Saturday, Nov. 25 from 9-3. So more shopping chances right next door. The Grange will also collect donations of canned goods and non-perishable items for the Walton Food Bank. For more information or to sign up to be a vendor, call Beverly at 607-510-4255, cost is $20 per table. Refreshments also available for purchase.
The Walton Historical Society has a big event planned for Spend the Day Saturday. The Society’s rooms are full of historical Christmas displays that they want to share the stories of Christmas past in Walton. Inside, there will also be children’s activities, like painting an ornament to take home, and Creations by Coralee with her handmade jewelry. There will also be a basket raffle with drawing around 4:30. Frosty the Snowman will stop by from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. for pictures including pet pics if desired.
Hopefully there will be a few more vendors on the front lawn and the Good Day Mobile Food Truck will be onsite from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., all weather permitting.
The New Hope Community Church on Stockton Ave, will have Breakfast with Santa 7-11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25 for a free will donation. Bring your cameras! And on Saturday, Dec. 9 they will have their annual holiday craft sale from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Vendor space is $10 a table; contact Linda Frank at 607-865-4004 to join. Lunch will be available to purchase.
Walton First Baptist Church will be the venue for the ARC of Delaware County’s Winter Wonderland Ball Saturday, Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m. The dance will be a formal event. FLAME has been reserved and you can dance the night away at this free community event. There will also be a dessert bar and photo booth.
Ren-Rest has a Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots box in the store. If you have something you want to drop off to support this national campaign, stop in with a new, unwrapped toy.
The Delaware River Stage Company’s annual Christmas show, “The Greatest News” will be performed Friday-Sunday, Dec 1-3 at the Walton Theatre. Show times on Friday and Saturday - 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets available at the Walton Music House or at the door. But don’t wait, this show often sells out.
There will be a baseball fundraiser at TA’s Place Saturday, Dec. 2 from 8 a.m. until noon with breakfast specials, basket raffles and a 50/50 to help buy indoor batting cages.
The Sunday Piecemakers Quilt Club meets in the lower level of the Trout Creek Community Church for a time of companionship and tying quilts. They will meet Sunday, Nov. 19 at 1:30 and would love to welcome new members. All are welcome to come see what they do and join if you wish.
Elijah’s Closet Christmas Bazaar starts Nov. 17 and 18, and continues Nov. 24 and 25, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Join them Dec. 2 at noon to visit with Santa.
Thank you to the Christmas light elves of Bob Vitti, Kevin O’Brien, Dan Hodges, Kevin Armstrong, Mark Hitchcock, Bob Locherer, Matt King and Steve Condon for getting up the new lights on a cold Sunday morning. These same guys put up (and now took down) the veterans banners, and they waited until Veteran’s Day, which made it a colder job. Thanks to NYSEG for their assist in making sure all the new lights got up and working. And I need to thank Debra Valentine again for spurring the Chamber into action to get the new lights. The public response was overwhelming and we really appreciate it. I can’t wait to reveal them parade night!
