Forest Farms association to host spring fundraiser

Greenwood Lake — The Greenwood Forest Farms Association will host its first Annual Spring Fundraising Luncheon at the Emerald Point Restaurant and Marina, in Greenwood Lake, on May 19, from noon to 3:30 p.m. Entitled “Celebrating The Diversity Of The Warwick Valley,” the luncheon’s keynote speaker will be Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Other guest speakers will include Annie Rabbit, New York State assemblywoman; Cedric Glasper, area businessman; Sonia Ayala, community activist; and Barbara Moore, mayor of Greenwood Lake. Actress Yvonne McFall will read the poetry of Langston Hughes, who was a resident of the Greenwood Forest Farms community. A history of the community will be recounted, along with a discussion on how the association is attempting to preserve its legacy. In 1919, families from New York City founded Greenwood Forest Farms as the first African-American vacation resort in New York State. Throughout its 87-year history, it has been home to many African-American cultural, artistic, business, and civic leaders. It is located in the Town of Warwick, outside the Village of Greenwood Lake. Tickets are $50, and checks should be made out to Greenwood Forest Farms and mailed to P.O. Box 212, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925. Checks must be received by May 10. For more information, call the association’s secretary, Paul Kwame Johnson, at 986-5980. The restaurant and marina are located at 40 Sterling Road, in Greenwood Lake.