News digest

Raymond Hose Company to host blood drive on Aug. 22WARWICK — Reporting critically low levels in the blood supply, New York Blood Center has asked the Raymond Hose Company to host an emergency blood dive on Wednesday, Aug. 22.
The drive will take place in the meeting room at the Raymond Hose Company No. 2 (aka Warwick Fire Department Station 2) located at 200 West St. in the Village of Warwick from 2 to 8 p.m.
Cornell Cooperative Extension to hold forum for landowners Sept. 6 OTISVILLE — Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County and the Watershed Agricultural Council will hold a Woods Forum for landowners on Thursday, Sept. 6, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at CCE Orange County Education Center & 4-H Park, 300 Finchville Turnpike in Otisville.
“By bringing together landowners and conservation professionals, we aim to create a local network of contacts that can give landowners the support and information they need when they face a decision about their land,” Cornell Cooperative Extension said in the press release detailing the forum.
A round table discussion will include questions and answers to be addressed between landowners and professionals.
Registration is required and seating is limited. RSVP as soon as possible. For all details, please visit: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/OC_Woods_Forum.
For more information, call 845-344-1234 or email jk2642@cornell.edu.
For information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County’s community programs and events go to http://cceorangecounty.org/.
Route 32 ramp to westbound Route 17 is now openCENTRAL VALLEY — OK, the ramp really is open now.
A new ramp which was supposed to open last week for traffic accessing westbound Route 17 from Route 32, officially opened Monday, Aug. 13.
The new ramp is located south of the park and ride entrance on Route 32. Drivers now enter onto westbound Route 6 just blocks before it merges with westbound Route 17.
There was no reason given for the delay in the ramp’s opening.
The ramp relocation is part of the Route 17 at Route 32 Exit 131 construction project, which features a diverging diamond interchange. This design is intended to offer improved access to schools, retail establishments, highways and local roads in addition to improved travel time and safety.
The project is currently expected to be completed by October 2019.
To stay abreast of work, visit: https://www.exit131ny.com/
- Nancy Kriz
Vet 2 Vet Program announces Veteran's Appreciation DayMIDDLETOWN — Are you or is someone you know a member of the armed forces or a veteran?
Don't miss the third annual Veteran's Appreciation Day on Saturday, Sept. 15: There is free admission, free parking, a free cook-out style meal and firework show after the game.
This day will be at Dutchess Stadium on Route 9D in Fishkill. Gates open at 3 p.m. Pre-game activities start at 5 p.m. and the game starts at 6:05 p.m.
Registration is required. Call Orange County Veteran Service Agency at 845-291-2470 for tickets and information.
O. C. Land Trust to host scenic hike at Fuller Mountain PreserveWARWICK — The Orange County Land Trust is hosting a scenic hike at Fuller Mountain Preserve in Warwick on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Participants on this 1.8 mile round-trip hike will enjoy sweeping views of Mount Adam and Mount Eve, Schunemunk Mountain and Sugar Loaf Mountain.
The terrain is easy to moderate and includes some uneven, rocky sections. Wearing long pants and closed-toe sneakers or boots are recommended.
Bring water.
Pre-registration is required: E-mail Jeremy@OCLT.org or call 845-534-3690 ext. 18.
Fuller Mountain Preserve is a 255-acre nature preserve owned and maintained by the Orange County Land Trust. The preserve features a range of habitats, including forested wetlands, a woodland pool, a tributary of the Wawayanda Creek and forests that transition from a hemlock-sugar maple forest to a rocky oak ridge top with open views.
For more information about Fuller Mountain Preserve or the Orange County Land Trust, visit www.OCLT.org.