Sally McCracken-Maertens is National Park Service Volunteer of the Year



A career Putnam County educator who relocated to Colorado a decade ago is America’s 2009 National Park Service Volunteer of the Year. Sally McCracken-Maertens received the award last Friday in Washington, D.C. with her husband, the Rev. Henry Maertens, daughter Jennifer, son, Andrew, grandson Forster and close friends accompanying her. McCracken-Maertens was nominated for the national recognition for spearheading a […]

Lake Peekskill Author Writes About Fat Poets’ Society



NASHVILLE, TN—In a sociocultural climate in which fat bodies are considered diseased and blamed for everything from rising medical costs to global warming, it takes courage for fat women, especially, to express anything but shame about their bodies. Fat Poets Speak: Voices of the Fat Poets’ Society, co-authored by Lake Peekskill, NY resident Corinna Makris and four other women,is part […]

Vets Helping Vets with Poppies



In the next few weeks, whenever you observe veterans selling buddy poppies, stop, drop a dollar bill in a collection canister, and purchase one—you’ll be assisting disabled and needy veterans. The Putnam Legislature welcomed members of the veterans’ community to its meeting last week and called on all “patriotic citizens to wear a buddy poppy as mute evidence of our […]

Spring in Putnam County



A flock of cedar waxwings was sighted on Monday in the Nelsonville Town Square on the corner of Main St. and Pearl. These beautiful crested birds are pale brown on the head and chest fading to soft gray on the wings. Their shiny coloring and placid appearance makes them look almost artificial until you hear their high, thin whistles, which […]

County’s Most Decorated Vets Remember Gold Star Mothers



Two of Putnam’s most decorated veterans paused Sunday to reflect on the sacrifices made by the thousands of women around the U.S. who celebrated Mother’s Day on a sad note due to the loss of child in battle while serving in the military. Peter Allegretta of Brewster, Chairman of the Putnam Joint Veterans Council was joined by the group’s vice […]

Police News



Ten Dollar Crook A Mahopac man is facing a year in jail for allegedly taking a wrench valued at $10.46 from the Sears Store at the Jefferson Valley Mall. Yorktown Police arrested Anthony Deleo, 46, last week after Sears’ security contacted police to report the apprehension of the Putnam man who was in the possession of the Craftsman wrench. Sgt. […]

Putnam Valley’s Sheryl Keating Saves a Life



Sheryl Keating doesn’t consider herself a hero, yet had it not been for the professionalism and knowledge of the captain of the Putnam Valley Volunteer Ambulance Corps, a 20-year-old man would be dead today. Keating responded to an emergency call at midnight last week when the Putnam 911 Dispatch Center reported a “man not breathing, with CPR in progress.” Ironically, […]

Carmel



Members of the clergy, the judiciary, law enforcement, governmental leaders and the public bow their heads in prayer during last week’s vigil in Carmel. Praying for the Community   Dozens of residents took time from their busy schedules to participate in Putnam County’s celebration of the National Day of Prayer. Last Thursday’s noon-time vigil took place at the Cornerstone Park […]

Southeast



Pedaling for Progress Trinity Lutheran Church in Southeast is kicking off its Pedals for Progress campaign next Saturday and organizers have asked the public to participate. David McKay Wilson of Mahopac, an accomplished cyclist, is leading the campaign. Wilson told the Courier “all bikes donated will be sent to Latin America through the non-profit organization that partners with bike reconditioning […]

Brewster



RSVP Luncheon Returns   More than 400 senior citizens will be on hand in Brewster next Friday when the Putnam County Office for the Aging hosts its annual Retired Senior Volunteer Recognition luncheon. Putnam RSVP Director Mary White forecast a "good time" for all those attending since the 36th anniversary gala will "celebrate and recognize the efforts of Putnam’s ‘seasoned’ […]