Wallkill Valley Times Dec. 02 2015

TIMES WALLKILL VALLEY Vol. 33, No 48 3 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 Basketball previews The 2015 edition of the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, set Gift Guide www.WallkillValleyTimes.net Locally-grown Christmas tree gets national exposure in the Big Apple to be lighted on national TV tonight, has humble beginnings. Until last month, the 78-foot Norway Spruce adorned a quiet stretch of Route ONE DOLLAR Sports Ready for prime time By JON SCHMITT 3 44-55 in Gardiner. Now it’s been decorated and set for the spotlight. Continued on page 2 Holiday surprise Majestic change is coming New Gardiner supervisor wants to keep the old but welcome the new By JANE ANDERSON Jim Barnett, Scoutmaster and band leader of Maybrook’s Troop 236 Boy Scout Band, was surprised Sunday night at the Maybrook Tree Lighting festivities, when many of his former band members returned to play with the band one more time. Barnett, who formed the band 30 years ago, is stepping back. He will continue to lead the band at parade and ceremonial events, but is relinquishing some of his duties. More photos of the Maybrook celebration are on page 5. Marybeth Majestic is ready to take the helm as Gardiner town supervisor, but don’t expect her to rule with an iron fist. “I’m a good listener,” Majestic said during an interview two days after Thanksgiving. Turkey soup, made from leftover holiday turkey (“We grilled it this year, for the first time,” she commented), bubbled on the stove in the kitchen of her historic stone home just outside town. “I’m willing to hear other people’s side of the story,” Majestic continued. “I’m a team player who believes everybody brings something to the table.” To that end, the newly minted town leader hopes to find a balance between residents who have lived here a lifetime and newcomers who’d like a few more amenities. Majestic has been a member of the Gardiner Historical Society since 2001; her interest in historic preservation is inherent, but she recognizes the need for sustainability. “I’m not sure my sons (Danny, Kevin and Brian) will be able to afford to live here if we don’t keep some things in Continued on page 4 SERVING CRAWFORD, GARDINER, MAYBROOK, MONTGOMERY, PINE BUSH, SHAWANGUNK, WALDEN AND WALLKILL