The Waltonian - December Newsletter
My sister and I launched the The Waltonian a year ago, with a series of advent calendar posts from December 1st through Christmas Eve. And we’ve been sharing events around Walton and other Walton news since January. I moved to NYC at the end of June, but inspired by the changes I’ve seen in Walton over the past few months and years and grateful for the support and interest I’ve seen for this newsletter, I decided to keep it up, with a newsletter going out monthly. We’re now at 250 subscribers to the newsletter! So a big thanks to everyone who subscribed! I hope this newsletter continues to inform you of the Walton area events you’d like to attend, and I hope we can expand on what we’ve started with more news, informative essays on issues facing our community, provocations for a better future, and other fun projects.
Some Things to Do This December
Christmas Trees - Pick out a pre-cut Christmas tree at the school bus garage and support the Walton Fire Department. Or cut your own Christmas Tree for $20 at the Elderkin Christmas Tree Farm across from More Park (open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00-3:00, saws provided). Once you’ve got your tree, here are some ideas for decorating.
Charitable Giving - This is a season for giving generously and receiving graciously. If you are able, consider donating to the Walton Food Pantry (monetary donations are especially helpful, you can give through the Regional Food Bank of Northeaster New York), or other local charities (if you’re willing to consider donating further afield, GiveWell evaluates the charities “that save or improve lives the most per dollar”). Short on cash? Here are some other ways to help people out by giving of your time: from the comfort of your home or around our town.
Shopping Local - Keep up the momentum from Spend the Day in Walton by checking out the shop local gift guides we compiled last year for gifts and gift cards (note that some details in these posts may have changed since they were written last year). Also check out the 2019 Pure Catskills Gift Guide for more ideas.
Goal Setting - It’s a New Year’s tradition to set goals for the upcoming year. Now is a good time to think about what you want to achieve in the coming future and start forming the habits to get you there. (By the way, we recommend this newsletter about techniques for productivity and creativity informed by neuroscience.)
Enjoy the Outdoors - Last year we shared a list of fun outdoor winter activities and also our guide to down-hill skiing (and snowboarding) in the Catskills. We encourage you to spend as much time outside this winter as possible for your health and sanity. It may get cold around here, but we live here and might as well make the most of it!
December Events
The next Village Board of Trustees regular meeting will be Monday, December 2nd at 6:00pm.
The next Board of Education meeting is Tuesday, December 3rd at 6:00pm. There is also a BoE meeting on December 17th.
The next Town Board of Trustees regular meeting will be Monday, December 9th at 6:00pm.
Don't miss the Delaware River Stage Company's Christmas variety show on December 6th, 7th, and 8th.
The United Presbyterian Church is hosting their Annual Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon on Saturday, December 7th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Proceeds will benefit Presbyterian Women’s mission projects.
The Community Band Christmas Concert is December 9th, from 7:00 to 10:00pm.
The Christ Church is hosting their annual Christmas Bazaar from 9:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday, December 14th. Lunch and snacks available.
Don’t miss the December events at the William B. Ogden Free Library!
Plenty more happening in Walton and the surrounding region this month! Enjoy and be safe!
Other Things of Note
The Village of Walton now has its own Facebook page for important updates.
There is no parking on village streets between the hours of 2:00am and 6:00am until April 1st.
Village sidewalks need to be free of ice and snow by 9:00am.
The last day to pay your water-sewer bill without penalty is December 4th (bills were mailed on October 3rd).
College-bound students who are a primary member of a Sidney Federal Credit Union account are eligible to apply for New York Credit Union Association scholarships. The application can be found on the SFCU website and must be received by January 10th.
A reminder that open enrollment for health insurance will only last until January 31st. If you need health insurance, you can check out your options via the New York State of Health website or call the customer service center at 1-855-355-5777.
Thanks again for subscribing and reading! We'll be back with another newsletter at the beginning of January; feedback and submissions always welcome! Just respond to this email.
—Christopher Ogden