MAMAKATING – If you’re looking to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary while learning more about local history this summer, the Town of Mamakating has just the thing.

Officially launched over the Fourth of July holiday, the town is currently hosting its “Hunt for History” Historic Site & Marker Challenge, encouraging participants to visit eight historic sites throughout Mamakating through Aug. 31.

The program, organized by the Town Clerk’s Office in conjunction with Town Historian Virdanna Lawrence and the Mamakating Historical Society, was highlighted by Town Supervisor Peter Goodman during Tuesday night’s regular town board meeting.

Similar to geocaching, participants locate historic markers throughout the town, take selfies at each stop and submit a completed clue sheet for a chance to win prizes. Clue sheets are available at Town Hall, the Mamakating Library or by emailing Town Clerk Karen Barclay.

“Stop in the Clerk’s Office. You’ll pick up a flyer. It’ll explain it. You can get your application and join the fun,” Goodman said.

New Horizons at the Senior Center

After months of concerns surrounding conditions at Horizons at Wurtsboro Senior Housing, town officials received positive feedback Tuesday night as residents reported noticeable improvements at the facility.

During public comment, resident Mary Allison Farley thanked Goodman, the town board and Assemblywoman Paula Kay for their efforts in addressing issues at the senior housing complex.

“I’m here to say thank you,” Farley said. “Thank you so much to Supervisor Peter Goodman and this whole board for your actions addressing the issues that were raised at the Horizons Senior Housing Facility.”

Farley’s comments follow months of discussion at town board meetings regarding conditions at Horizons. As previously reported by the Democrat, residents had raised concerns about heating, water damage, cleanliness, laundry facilities and management. While Horizons is privately owned, Goodman said town officials have continued working with state housing officials, property management and Regan Development Corporation to encourage improvements.

Farley said a friend who lives at Horizons told her a new compressor has been installed to cool the hallways, repairs are underway and the building is now being properly cleaned.

“These were basic issues that should have been corrected long ago,” she said.

Goodman credited Kay for working alongside the town to advocate for residents at Horizons and other senior housing facilities.

“I want to take my hat off to her because she’s done a lot of work on it,” Goodman said.

He also noted that Kay recently helped restore power at another privately-owned senior housing facility, Godfrey Meadows in Bloomingburg, after electricity was shut off because the property’s owners had fallen behind on their Orange and Rockland utility bill. Goodman said many residents there rely on electricity for oxygen equipment and other medical devices.