Onteora alumna Kaleigh Garraffa publishes novel
Kaleigh Garraffa, the author of Las Locas: The Madwomen, credits her Onteora teachers and community with helping her to realize her dream of becoming a writer. She also credits the pandemic, which interrupted her in-person studies at Marist College, with giving her more time to devote to her passion.
The Mount Tremper resident, who graduated from Marist in 2021 with a double major in Communications and Spanish with a minor in Creative Writing, describes her first novel as a mystery set during Argentina’s so-called Dirty War (1976-1983), when thousands of Argentinians were kidnapped and killed by right-wing and military death squads. Among those who disappeared were many pregnant women, whose babies were secretly adopted. Grandmothers of the missing children, labeled “madwomen” by some, organized public protests to draw attention to their plight.
Garraffa, whose mother hails from the Dominican Republic, has long been interested in Spanish and Latin American culture – an interest that was also nurtured by Onteora Spanish teacher Elena Garcia (who retired last year). “I was also in the Spanish Club with Mrs. Garcia,” she recalled.
Garraffa is currently planning a book tour. She’s also written the outline and a few chapters for a sequel to Las Locas, and has her eyes open for a job in publishing, preferably in New York City. Wherever she ends up, Garraffa won’t forget her Onteora roots. “Onteora is a great school district,” she said. “All of the teachers and staff are so welcoming and everyone is so helpful. I was really prepared for college!”
Takeout turkey dinner in Shady
A turkey takeout dinner with all the fixings will be served on Saturday, October 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Shady, located on Church Road off Route 212 in Shady (five miles west of Woodstock). A special apple crumble dessert will also be on the menu. No reservations are required. The cost for adults is $14 for adults and $7 for children.
For additional information, call (845) 679-4510 or (845) 679-4039.
Woodstock Tree Committee secures tree planting grant
Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day on Monday, October 11, 11a.m., at the Overlook Bakery, located at 105 Tinker Street in Woodstock for a tree-planting ceremony. The Woodstock Tree Committee has secured a grant from the NY State Urban Forestry Council in celebration of its fifth year as a Tree City. A second tree planting will follow at the entrance to the Mountain View parking lot on Rock City Road around noon.
Join the family! 
