Fundraisers to save historic Wassaic chapel

WASSAIC — Gridley Chapel, located in the heart of Wassaic, is in need of a little TLC.Built in 1873, Gridley Chapel was the pet project of Emeline Gridley, wife of Wassaic businessman Noah Gridley. The couple constructed the chapel to ensure that children in town had the opportunity to attend Sunday school.True to its origins, the building is still used today to host an after-school children’s program run by the Christian Connection Ministry.Terri Anello, a member of the Christian Connection who has helped with fundraising, believes that the chapel needs to be preserved.“A lot of our historic buildings are being torn down for more modern buildings,” she said. “The workmanship [of Gridley Chapel] is unparalleled nowadays,” she continued, noting that the building is still in good condition, especially on the inside, which has already undergone some renovations.Three upcoming events will raise money to help repair the chapel’s facade and cover operating costs. The events are a historical walking tour, a concert and an apple festival.The two-hour historical walking tour of Wassaic will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, as part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble. Local historians will describe the growth of the hamlet, which was founded in 1704. The proceeds of the tour will go toward the exterior painting and renovation of Gridley Chapel.The tour will run from 10 a.m. to noon. Tickets cost $5 for adults; children younger than 13 can attend for free.For more information about the tour, contact Vicki Doyle at 845-373-9550 or ameniadoyle@gmail.com.The apple festival will be held at the chapel on Saturday, Oct. 8. It will feature games for children, tasty treats and an apple pie contest.Money raised during the apple festival will go toward the chapel’s operating costs.At 7 p.m. after the apple festival, the chapel will host a concert. The main band will be Thomas Wesley Stern, who played during last year’s chapel concert. Tickets for the concert cost $7 and can be purchased from any member of the Gridley Chapel Restoration Committee or at the door. Money raised during the concert will help renovate the chapel’s exterior.Donations for Gridley Chapel’s exterior painting can be sent to Gridley Chapel, PO Box 90, Amenia, NY 12501.Donations for the chapel’s upkeep and operating costs can be sent to Gridley Chapel, PO Box 174, Wassaic, NY 12592.For more information, call Doris Smith at 845-373-9440 or Terri Anello at 888-200-0959.

Latest News

Salisbury ski jumpers put on show for students

Gus Tripler prepares to jump from the new 36-meter jump.

Margaret Banker

SALISBURY - With the Winter Olympics just weeks away, Olympic dreams felt a little closer to home for Salisbury Central School students on Feb. 4, when student ski jumpers from the Salisbury Winter Sports Association put on a live demonstration at the Satre Hill Ski Jumping Complex for more than 300 classmates and teachers.

With screams of delight, student-athletes soared through the air, showcasing years of training and focus for an audience of their peers. The atmosphere was electric as the jumpers soaked up the attention like local celebrities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - February 5, 2026

Legal Notice

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Salisbury will hold a Public Hearing on Special Permit Application #2026-0307 by Amber Construction and Design Inc for vertical expansion of a nonconforming structure at 120 Wells Hill Road, Lakeville, Map 36, Lot 09 per Section 503.2 of the Salisbury Zoning Regulations. The Owners of the property are Joseph Edward Costa and Elyse Catherine Nelson. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM. There is no physical location for this meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom where interested persons can listen to & speak on the matter. The application, agenda and meeting instructions will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. The application materials will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/planning-zoning-meeting-documents/. Written comments may be submitted to the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, P.O. Box 548, Salisbury, CT or via email to landuse@salisburyct.us. Paper copies of the agenda, meeting instructions, and application materials may be reviewed Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury CT.

Keep ReadingShow less
Putting a stamp on Norfolk

Antonio Alcalá

Provided

As part of the Norfolk Economic Development Commission’s campaign to celebrate the Norfolk Post Office and the three women who run it — Postmaster Michelle Veronesi and mother-and-daughter postal clerks Kathy Bascetta and Jenna Brown — the EDC has invited USPS art director and stamp designer Antonio Alcalá for a visit.

Postage stamps designed by Antonio Alcalá.Provided

Keep ReadingShow less