This is a brief roundup of stories we’ll be covering in and around Sloatsburg.

→ The old bridge is out, the one just off Rt. 17 going south toward the Torne Center that crosses the Ramapo River into Ramapo Hamlet. Upon closer inspection, the bridge certainly looks like its better, safer days are behind it. We’ll be following up with a report on who owns the bridge, who shut it down and when it will be repaired and re-opened.

→ Sloatsburg Students’ Scholarship Fund. If you haven’t heard, there’s a new committee busy around the village planning some fun fundraisers to benefit our local scholarship fund. The newly created Sloatsburg Students’ Scholarship Fund Committee is led by Patricia Hartnett and was formed to oversee, develop and fundraise for existing student scholarships. Look for our story on the committee and its first fundraiser –see the Characters ad to the left! Tuesday, February 21 at Characters just mention the scholarship fund and get 20% of your bill donated toward the scholarship fund.

→ Did you know there’s a Sloatsburg Public Library Board of Trustees that oversees the library? Well, the board meets regularly the third Wednesday of every month. Currently, there’s an open board seat and interested applicants are being reviewed. Follow the story here.

→ Look for our upcoming feature on Environmental Educator Chuck Stead (Cornell Cooperative Extension) and his restoration, design, and construction of a 19th century Saltbox house located in Torne Valley. When completed, the Saltbox will be the home of the Ramapo Saltbox Environmental Research Center (ERC).

→ A Taste of Ramapo is coming and we’ll have all the information you need to know. The event takes place in two weeks — Saturday, March 3 at the Torne Center. And it’s free. So, be prepared to drop in and taste food from around the town.

→ Ramapo River cleanup. Vince Altieri’s group at the Rockland County Drainage Agency have been busy cleaning up fallen trees and debris along the Ramapo River, most recently near the Torne Center. What about Sloatsburg? We’ll have news for you of cleanup and de-snagging work being done closer to home.

These are just a few of the stories to look for. Thanks for reading and staying with us. There’s more to come. Take a look at our new poll feature on the left sidebar and vote! Let us know what you’re thinking.