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Wallkill Valley Times , Wednesday , August 16 , 2017

PUBLIC AGENDA

THURSDAY , AUGUST 17

Wallkill Board of Education , 6 p . m . Wallkill High School Library Media Center .

MONDAY , AUGUST 21 Town of Montgomery ZBA , 7 p . m . Town Government Center , 110 Bracken Road , Montgomery .

MONDAY , AUGUST 28

Valley Central Board of Education 6:30 p . m . Administration building , 944 Route 17K , Montgomery . Town of Montgomery Planning Board , 7:30 p . m . Town Government Center , 110 Bracken Road , Montgomery .

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The Wallkill Valley Times , ( USPS 699-490 ) is a weekly newspaper published every Wednesday at Newburgh , N . Y . 12550 , with offices at 300 Stony Brook Court , Newburgh , NY . Single copy : $ 1 at newsstand . By mail in Orange , Ulster or Sullivan Counties : $ 40 annually , $ 44 out of county . Periodicals permit at Newburgh , N . Y . POSTMASTER : Send address changes to Wallkill Valley Times , 300 Stony Brook Court , Newburgh , N . Y . 12550

Walden Summer Youth grads : Miles Segura , Kim Vu , Jasmine Holmes , Mariah Nameny , Olivia Franquiz , Isabella Cruz , and Tam Vu and Village Clerk Tara Bliss

By MELANIE ZERAH

Walden Village Clerk Tara Bliss took the reins as program coordinator after the idea came to fruition from Brian Maher , former Mayor of the Village of Walden .

“ Thank you to the village and all the participating businesses ,” Maher said . “ And thank you to my good friend , Tara Bliss , for taking this program to heights I never thought possible .”

The program is the only of its kind in Orange County , and allows teenagers to gain experience in local businesses and organizations that interest them . During the course of the summer , youth engage in mandatory skills building workshops . These workshops teach youth important skills that are glossed over in many school curricula : how to perform in an interview , what to do with that first paycheck , how to write a resume and how to tune up their social media presence .

At the beginning of their journey , youth attend a job fair where participating Walden Employers are present . These potential employers require no past experience from the youth , and are geared specifically toward providing a “ positive and safe form of local summer employment .”

Bliss took a moment to thank the 2017 Village of Walden employers the youth worked with : Orange County Rural Development Advisory Corporation , Village of Walden - Recreation Department , Village of Walden Finance Department , Josephine Louise Public Library , Village of Walden Police Department , Hannaford Supermarket , Walden Animal Deli , National Purple Heart Hall of Honor , Hudson Valley Conservatory , Village of Walden Building Department , and Flanagan Chiropractic Care .

“ Young people are told when trying to apply to a job : you need experience to apply ,” Bliss said . “ But where are they supposed to get these first experiences ?”

The program gives youth an opportunity to get ahead in the working world , by gaining experience that will aid them in excelling in future careers .

Graduates include : Deionna Bradley , Isabelle Cruz , Rachel Cummings , Teniya Davoren , Keriann DeRubeis , Danielle Driscoll , Oliva Franquiz , Jasmine Holmes , Brock Morrison , Mariah Nameny , Patricia Nielson , Neveah Odom , Kevin

Palau , Emma Scialampo , Christian Scott , Miles Segura , Kim Vu , and Tam Vu .

Since 2009 , more than 100 Walden teens have graduated from the Youth Employment Program .

Those present at the ceremony included : Isabelle Cruz , Mariah Nameny , Olivia Franquiz , Miles Segura , Jasmine Holmes , Kim Vu and Tam Vu .

Each graduate addressed the audience and shared what they learned during the program and how it has helped them feel more confident in their future .

“ I ’ ve learned that I enjoy working with kids ,” said Tam Vu , employed by the Josephine Louise Public Library . “ I have gained an understanding of the responsibilities that are required in looking after them .”

Bliss shared that although parts of the program could be boring for the youth — attending Finance 101 classes or other skill building sessions — an undeniable sense of family formed among the group .

“ My door is always open , for resume help , recommendation letters and absolutely anything else ,” said Bliss , addressing the graduates . “ It is a breathe of fresh air to work with kids who care about their future , and involved parents who want their kids to succeed .”