MAMAKATING — Many campers were disappointed last year when Mamakating's town board canceled summer camp due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, with vaccine rates increasing and COVID cases trending downward in New York, Mamakating has big plans for summer camp.

Registration began April 30th and spots filled up quickly. Pee Wee Camp is completely full and, as of May 18, there were only 20 spots left for the main camp for campers aged 7-14.

Town Supervisor Janet Lybolt said in a past town meeting that spots were limited this year due to COVID-19 regulations.

This year, Lybolt stated that Pine Bush schools will be providing free breakfast and lunch for the campers as they have done in the past. She also said that Parks and Recreation director, Donna Consolo, has been working with the Cornell Cooperative Extension and 4-H to bring the 4-H program to the camp without cost to the campers.

Lybolt also stated that during the week, she and Consolo would begin preparing a vegetable garden for the campers to maintain this year.

Thanks to the aquatics director, Lybolt said, the pool is ready for swimmers, and Pine Bush Aquatics Club has “expressed interest” in renting the pool again as they did last year. The club is planning free swim lessons to residents during their rented time slot.

The basketball court renovation is also underway, Lybolt announced. The courts were almost demolished by Mamakating's maintenance crew, and Lybolt is hoping they will be complete in time for camp to begin.

In addition to the fun camp plans, Mamakating also has some other plans and events occurring since the weather is warming up and COVID restrictions are easing.

Drive with care

Highway Superintendent, Rob Hufcut, announced that road work has continued, but with the warmer weather, his crew has been having issues with speeding cars within construction zones.

He stated that despite proper signage and employee protocol, there were a couple “close calls” and is considering having the sheriff or police department become involved if people do not slow down.

In addition, he thanked the residents who live near exit 115 and Burlingham Road for coming together to help clean up garbage and litter. He said another tandem load of garbage was removed as a result of their efforts.

Return to normalcy

Town Hall is scheduled to reopen to the public on June 1st and the next town board meeting will be in person in town hall. Residents will have the option to watch the meeting over zoom if they wish to stay home.

The Mamakating Farmer's market is growing and is scheduled to begin Memorial Day weekend and will run through Labor Day weekend. Every Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be vendors and live music.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension has been coming to the town's trails to evaluate how their Healthy Community Grant Project is being utilized by the town's residents.

The town has partnered with the Village of Wurtsboro and Mamakating Library to offer pedestrians who are on the trails at the designated counting times a chance to win a $150 gift card.

The first count was on May 12, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension counted 19 walkers and two bike riders. The upcoming dates are on June 5 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the D&H Canal at the Village of Wurtsboro business district access, and May 22 at the Fitness Trail from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The winning ticket will be pulled June 21 at 12 p.m. at the library. Lybolt told residents to “show them our trails are essential and used.”

Councilman John Lacey announced that the American Legion in Wurtsboro will be holding a Memorial Day Parade on May 31 (see page 1B).

The legion will be serving ice cream at the end of the service, but due to COVID, there will not be a picnic as there was in previous years.

Supervisor Lybolt expressed her regret that the parade had to be canceled last year, but “we'll make up for it this year,” she said.