I’m thrilled to announce that I am now the local correspondent for the Croghan News in the Journal & Republican, and I couldn’t be more excited to help keep our community informed and connected. Now, I’ll be the first to admit—I’m not a trained journalist. But I love to write, and I have a healthy dose of curiosity (or – as some might call it “nosiness”), so I think I’m up for the challenge, but I need your help! Please send me your leads, scoops, and hot tips. Notable visitors, celebrity sightings, cultural happenings, local mysteries —if it’s newsworthy (or just plain interesting), I want to hear about it. And don’t worry, I promise to protect my sources. You can reach me on Facebook or email me at [email protected].
This past month, six brave members of the Croghan Fire Department successfully completed a 16-hour ice water rescue class taught by State Fire instructors. The training covered essential personal protective equipment for ice and cold-water rescues, techniques on how to reach a victim, and how to safely remove them from the water and get them to shore. Their dedication ensures our community remains safe even in extreme conditions—great work, team!
The Croghan Lions Club is proud to honor outstanding individuals once again by selecting one adult and one student as the 2025 Citizens of the Year. Nominees will be evaluated based on their achievement, citizenship, leadership, dedication, and motivation, strongly emphasizing volunteerism and contributions to the community’s well-being. The club seeks individuals who exemplify the Lions’ motto: “WE SERVE.” Nomination forms are available at the Beaver River Central School Guidance Office, the Croghan Candy Kitchen, and the Croghan and Beaver Falls Libraries. Forms can also be accessed via the Croghan Lions Club Facebook page. Any community member is welcome to nominate a deserving candidate. Eligible nominees include adults and students in grades 9-12 residing within the Beaver River Central School District. This is an opportunity to recognize those who make a meaningful impact in our community—submit a nomination and help celebrate the spirit of service! The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, February 26. Completed paper nomination forms may be mailed to:
Lion Liz Jones
PO Box 198
Croghan, NY 13327
OR scanned/emailed to: [email protected]
The Croghan Free Library offers a fantastic lineup of monthly activities for all interests, including a Writer’s Group, Caregivers Support Group, Book Club, Knit & Crochet Group, and LEGO Robotics. Plus, regularly scheduled story times delight young readers and their families! Meanwhile, the Beaver Falls Library is continuously expanding its collection with new books and hosting engaging monthly story hours. Stop by, join a group, or check out a new book—there’s something for everyone at your library!
Croghan Village Winter Safety Reminders: If you have a village fire hydrant in front of your property buried in snow, please take the time to clean it out so it remains accessible. By law, this is the responsibility of the bordering property owners. Additionally, overnight parking is not permitted on Village streets during winter. This includes the Village parking lot next to the library and behind the pizzeria. Your cooperation helps keep our village safe and accessible to everyone. Thank you for doing your part!
Thank you to Matt Nortz and Pete Monnat for their hard work in getting the Croghan ice rink up and running for the winter season! Your efforts are appreciated by all.
There will be a benefit dinner in Memory of Silas Moser at The Red Rooster on Wednesday, February 12, at 4 p.m. Enjoy a ham or turkey dinner, dine-in or take-out, with delivery available. Tickets are $20 per person, with all proceeds supporting the Moser family. Lotto board tickets will also be available.
Get ready to learn East Coast Swing, but leave the high-flying spins at the door! Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or have never stepped foot on a dance floor, join instructors Eric and Hannah Schwartzentruber and Nate and Denise Barker for an evening of dancing, learning, and socializing in a welcoming, inclusive environment. On Friday, February 14, at 7:00 p.m. at Crown Ballet on Main Street in Croghan, the space is open for lessons, and then at 8:00 p.m., an open dance of any style. What to Expect? No dance experience is needed, as the lessons are perfect for beginners, and the instructors ensure the space is friendly for all skill levels. People often find the first time a bit tricky, but the more you come, the more fun and natural it gets. The focus is on easy-to-learn moves that everyone can enjoy. Whether dancing solo or with a partner, you’ll find a welcoming space to have fun and meet new people. All ages are welcome, and both singles and couples are encouraged to join. Bring comfortable shoes (you’ll want to move!) Continuing a great tradition in our Lewis County of coming together through music and dance, this is a space where everyone is welcome, no matter who you are or where you’re from. Plus, it’s free and graciously hosted by the Croghan Library and Crown Ballet. For more information or updates on this program, follow the Croghan Swing page on Facebook.
Prepare your cards for the Euchre Tournament at the American Legion Post 1663 on February 16 and March 16! The tournament kicks off at 1:00 p.m., and the entry fee is $10 per person—don’t forget to bring your partner. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with cash prizes, exciting giveaways, and a 50/50 raffle! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking for a good time, test your skills while supporting a great event. Mark your calendars and get ready for some friendly competition!
Julie Robinson Lyndaker, Dee Farnz, Diane Csizmar, and Terri McVoy have decided not to organize the 2025 Croghan Olde Home Days. Originally envisioned as a one-time event, the overwhelming enthusiasm from the community in 2023 inspired them to bring it back again last year. However, they cannot take on the planning again due to increasing commitments. If anyone is willing to step forward and take the lead, the community would love to see it continue. No special permissions are required except for park usage and traffic control for the parade. If you’re passionate about keeping this event alive, now is the time to get involved and make it happen!
This week, Valentine’s Day is a heartfelt reminder to cherish and appreciate those closest to us, letting them know how much they mean in our lives. But kindness shouldn’t stop with the people we love. Just a few days later, on February 17th, National Random Acts of Kindness Day encourages us to extend that same warmth and compassion to strangers. A simple smile, a kind word, or a small gesture of generosity can brighten someone’s day and create a ripple effect of positivity. Whether it’s a loved one or a passerby, February is a month of love and kindness for all.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to our vibrant community, and I look forward to sharing more news with you soon!
Please send story or news leads to my email at [email protected]