cropper

Village of Cambridge New York

Commemorative Tree Program: A Living Tribute

On August 6, 2025, the Village Board adopted a Commemorative Tree Donation Policy to help residents, families, and local groups honor people and milestones with a living tribute on village land.What the program offersA commemorative tree is a simple, meaningful way to celebrate an individual, a family event, or a community moment while strengthening our tree canopy and village character. Trees are planted only on Village-owned property or within public rights-of-way (think library grounds, municipal lawns, and approved planting strips along village streets). We do not plant or maintain trees on private property.How it works (the short version)Donation amount: $500 per tree, covering purchase, planting, and initial care.Where and when we plant: Sites are selected on Village property/ROW and plantings typically occur in spring and fall.Who decides species & location: Our Tree Committee, in consultation with the Superintendent of Public Works, matches species to site conditions for long-term health and safety.Plaque & recognition: Each tree may include a low-profile ground plaque (within character limits), and donors may also be listed on our website. Opt-out is available if you prefer privacy.Ownership & care: Commemorative trees are Village property. We’ll maintain them at our discretion; as living things, their lifespan isn’t guaranteed, and we may remove or replace as necessary.How to applyApplications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the Tree Committee with Village staff, with final approvals by the Village. Approval depends on site availability, species suitability, and planting timelines.Submit the Commemorative Tree Application to the Clerk’s Office by any of the following:Email: clerk@cambridgeny.govIn person: 56 North Park Street during office hoursU.S. Mail: Village Clerk, Village of Cambridge, 56 North Park Street, Cambridge, NY 12816If you email your application, please note: payment must be received within five (5) business days to hold your planting slot.A few practical notesTransparency: Applications and donation records may be subject to public disclosure under NYS Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).Tax status: Donations under this program are not tax-deductible charitable contributions.Site suggestions welcome: You can propose a location on your application; final siting is determined by the Tree Committee and DPW to ensure the right tree in the right place.Ready to get started?Have questions or need accommodations? Contact the Village Clerk at (518) 677-2622 or clerk@cambridgeny.gov.Plant a memory. Grow our canopy. Leave something good for the next generation.

Read More

6 Views

Write a Comment

Read More

Tri-Town Community Picnic: Three Towns, One Table

Cambridge may look like one village on the map, but our roots stretch across three hometowns: White Creek, Cambridge, and just a stone’s throw away, Jackson. On Friday, July 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM, those shared roots come together for the first-ever Tri-Town Community Picnic at the American Legion, 2106 State Route 22.What to Expect🍽️ Grilled classics & potluck favoritesBring a dish that tells your family story... because some recipes carry generations in every bite.🎶 Live regional musicToes will tap, neighbors will sway. Good tunes guaranteed.🏓 Lawn games & Activities for All AgesFrom classic favorites to lighthearted competition, family-friendly games will keep all ages entertained.📚 “History in Five Minutes”Local author and historian Ken Gottry shares how these three towns have always been linked by land, by labor, and by legacy.🎟️ RafflesProceeds will help seed future community events.A $5 donation is suggested. No town funds are used to host this event.Picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and your best small-town stories encouraged.Why It MattersFor over 260 years, the towns of Jackson, Cambridge, and White Creek have shared roads, schools, mills, and midnight-call neighbors. This picnic celebrates that invisible thread. The one that runs deeper than borders.Whether it’s a surveyed line through a hayfield or the few hundred feet that place part of our village in Jackson, boundaries blur where communities thrive.Join Us📅 Friday, July 25, 2025 · 5:00 PM📍 American Legion Post, 2106 State Route 22, Cambridge🧺 Bring: A dish to pass, a lawn chair, and an appetite for stories.Questions?Contact Molly Dixson at 518-677-0356 or jacksontownclerkny@gmail.comLet’s break bread, share laughs, and prove what we’ve always known:Good neighbors make great towns... three at a time.

Read More

28 Views

Write a Comment

Read More

Exploring the Future of the Cambridge Skate Park: Your Voice Matters

Did you know that Cambridge is home to Washington County’s only skate park? Quietly nestled behind the Village Office and Police Station on North Park Street, this small but spirited space has welcomed local skaters for over a decade.But time has taken its toll.Today, the ramps are worn. The features are outdated. The amenities are few. Simply put: it’s no longer meeting the needs of the community the way it once did.The Village is not currently pursuing grants or planning taxpayer-funded upgrades. However, we've begun hearing from residents, especially younger voices, who see potential. They envision a more vibrant, welcoming, and safe space for kids, teens, and families. And they’re asking: could the skate park be something more?So, we're turning the question over to you:Do you or your kids use the skate park now?Would you use it more if it were improved?Are you, or a group you're part of, interested in helping with repairs or applying for outside funding?Would you volunteer, share ideas, or contribute your skills to reimagine the space?This is not about raising taxes. It’s about raising hands to see if there’s enough community interest and energy to take the next step. If there is, the Village is ready to support those efforts with guidance, coordination, and letters of support for outside funding.Tell us what you think:Email clerk@cambridgeny.gov, stop by the Village Office during business hours, or leave a comment on this post. Better yet, join us at a Village Board meeting. The mic is always open.Let’s find out: should we roll forward with the skate park?

Read More

184 Views

Read More

Making Maple, Gilbert & South Park Streets Safer for Everyone

Office of the MayorWhy We're Looking at Speed Limits NowThe Village of Cambridge is taking formal steps to reduce the posted speed limits on two key roads that run through our community:Route 313 (Maple and Gilbert Streets)A short segment of Route 22 (South Park Street), near the school and District OfficeBoth are state highways that fall under the jurisdiction of NYSDOT, but for those of us who live here, they’re also everyday community streets. They're used by children walking to school, neighbors heading to urgent care, and first responders on emergency calls.What’s Changed on These RoadsRoute 313 has seen significant growth in the past several decades. Today, this corridor includes:🚒 Cambridge Fire Department🚑 Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad🏥 Urgent Care & Medical Offices🎓 Head Start Program🎯 Youth Program Facility (Village Youth Commission)🏠 Condominium housing and single-family homes💼 TCT Federal Credit UnionDespite these changes, the posted limit on Route 313 remains 40 MPH. And on Route 22, it quickly jumps to 45 MPH before even leaving the Village.These speeds no longer reflect the character or safety needs of our growing, mixed-use environment.What We’re ProposingAs Mayor, I am preparing a formal request to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to reduce the posted speed limits on both corridors to 30 MPH within the Village boundaries.This is a targeted, data-driven proposal designed to:Protect pedestrians and driversImprove conditions for emergency response vehiclesReflect the actual use and development of these roads todayYour Voice Matters: Public Comment Now OpenTo help support this request, we’re inviting the public to submit comments through a brief online form.📝 Click here to share your input → https://v3.cambridgeny.gov/22313📅 Comment period ends: June 30, 2025💬 All comments will be included in the July 2025 Board of Trustees meeting and submitted to NYSDOT as part of our official request.What Happens NextIn July, the Village Board will vote on a formal resolution. We’ll also be gathering letters of support from:Cambridge Central School DistrictCambridge Fire DepartmentRescue SquadLocal business owners and civic leadersResidents like youWe’re also considering a short stakeholder workshop in late June to coordinate efforts and finalize materials before submission.This Is Just the First StepThis effort is focused solely on speed reduction. However, we believe this conversation with NYSDOT will help open the door for future improvements and broader safety planning, together.If you have thoughts or want to get involved, you can always reach out to my office directly.Your Input Is More Than HelpfulThank you for taking the time to read and participate. Thoughtful civic input like yours is what helps us build a safer, more responsive Cambridge.James W. SweeneyMayor, Village of Cambridge📩 mayorsweeney@cambridgeny.gov

Read More

303 Views

Write a Comment

Read More

Balloon Festival 2025: Cambridge’s Signature Summer Celebration Returns June 6

Get ready! Balloon Festival 2025 is nearly here, and it’s shaping up to be one of the best yet. Whether you're a longtime resident or it’s your first time joining us, mark your calendars for Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8, and prepare for a weekend full of color, community, and unforgettable moments.Hosted on the grounds of Cambridge Central School, this free, family-friendly event brings the village together under a sky filled with hot air balloons and shared summer joy. You’ll find local food, craft vendors, carnival rides, and new this year... tethered balloon rides offering a safe, short flight with sweeping views of our valley.🗓️ Festival HighlightsBalloon Launches: Scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and early mornings on Saturday and Sunday at 5:30 a.m. (weather permitting).Tethered Balloon Rides: $20 per person with Above All Balloon Rides, available Friday at 5 p.m. until rides are full.Carnival Fun: Unlimited rides on Saturday with a $25 wristband (1–9 p.m.).Moon Glow: Saturday night’s signature event—balloons glow from within to music as dusk falls.Fireworks: Friday night at The Mansion grounds on South Union Street.Lions Car Show, Flying Club Fly-In, Craft Fair & Food Vendors: All day Saturday on school grounds.Pilots Breakfast: Sunday morning at the American Legion, Route 22.🎡 Why It MattersMore than just a weekend event, Balloon Festival is a celebration of what makes Cambridge special—neighbors pitching in, local pride in full view, and simple joys shared under the open sky. Now in its 23rd year, the festival is powered by the Cambridge Valley Chamber of Commerce and dozens of dedicated volunteers. It’s where we catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and remind ourselves what small-town community really looks like.Whether you’re coming for the balloons, the carnival, or just a good hot dog and a view, we hope you’ll join us in making this another memorable chapter in Cambridge’s summer story.For schedule updates and additional information, visit the official festival page or call (518) 677-0887.See you there and don’t forget a lawn chair.

Read More

147 Views

Write a Comment

Read More

Why a $16 Chicken Dinner Matters More Than You Think

On Sunday, May 25th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department is firing up the grill for a cause that’s as urgent as it is delicious: their annual Chicken Barbecue Fundraiser. For $16, the price of a meal you’d grab without thinking, you get:½ Chicken, flame-grilled to perfectionPotato, Coleslaw, and RollA Brownie for good measureAnd most importantly: the satisfaction of backing the volunteers who back us, 24/7💡 One dollar of your purchase covers digital processing. Every other penny supports readiness, response, and resources for the department.This fundraiser has quietly become a Cambridge tradition. For over 25 years, this humble meal has helped keep gear updated, training ongoing, and fire trucks rolling. It’s not flashy. But it’s essential.Years ago, our fire department poured its heart into the Fireman's Carnival. A summertime highlight with fireworks, carnival games, pony rides, and rural charm. It was a beautiful chapter in our village story. But it also required hundreds of volunteer hours and often raised less money than a single barbecue event. Those hours are now wisely spent on drills, calls, and keeping our neighbors safe.But don’t worry! A little of that carnival spirit is coming back. The beloved Cake Wheel will be spinning once again at this year’s Cambridge Balloon Festival (June 6–8, 2025). So yes, there will be frosting, suspense, and a chance to win dessert glory.✅ For now, do the simple thing that makes a big difference:Pre-order your dinner. Pick it up at 50 Gilbert Street. Eat well. Support better.Because our volunteers don’t ask for much and they’re always there when it counts.

Read More

106 Views

Write a Comment

Read More

Owlkill Festival Returns May 18th

Date & Time: Sunday, May 18, 2025 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Location: Owlkill Commons (Rice Seed Company Lawn), Cambridge, NYAdmission: FreeMore Info: Cambridge Community Partnership on Facebook A Community Celebration at Owlkill CommonsOn Sunday, May 18, 2025, the Cambridge Community Partnership will host the Second Annual Owlkill Festival, a free, family-focused event that brings residents and neighbors together to celebrate the season, share traditions, and enjoy outdoor fun.Owlkill Commons will serve as the lively backdrop for this springtime gathering, featuring a highlight event for kids, teens, and adults - the Duck Derby Races, scheduled for: 🦆 1:30 p.m. - Ages 6 & under 🦆 2:00 p.m. - Ages 6–21 🦆 2:30 p.m. - Adults 21 & olderThe festival is designed to offer an accessible, joyful experience for families, friends, and visitors of all ages. If you're looking for a reason to get outside, connect with neighbors, and enjoy a day rooted in local pride, this may be it. Events like the Owlkill Festival demonstrate the power of community-driven initiatives to bring people together and celebrate what makes Cambridge a uniquely connected place to live. Additional details, including entertainment and food vendors, will be shared by the organizers on the Cambridge Community Partnership’s Facebook page and website: cambridgecommunitypartnership.org.Mark your calendar for May 18th.Bring a chair, bring your family, and enjoy a Sunday outdoors in the heart of the village.About the Cambridge Community PartnershipThe Cambridge Valley Community Development and Preservation Partnership, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that promotes people working together to strengthen the economic and cultural vitality of Washington County. cambridgecommunitypartnership.orgDisclaimerThe Owlkill Festival is not a Village of Cambridge-sponsored event. It is organized and hosted by the Cambridge Valley Community Development and Preservation Partnership, Inc. (Cambridge Community Partnership), an independent nonprofit organization. The Village of Cambridge is not affiliated with or responsible for the planning, content, or execution of this event.

Read More

65 Views

Write a Comment

Read More

Big Day in Cambridge: Arbor Day Festival & Fire Department Open House - April 26

Saturday, April 26th is shaping up to be a true community day in the Village of Cambridge. From Durrin Park to the Cambridge Fire House, neighbors and families are invited to step out, pitch in, and connect with one another.🌳 The Tree Committee’s Arbor Day Festival kicks off at Durrin Park from 10AM - 2PM, with a celebration of spring — think trees, flowers, and community pride. It's the perfect time to clean up the yard, plant something new, or just enjoy the fresh air and friendly faces.🚒 Just across the way, the Cambridge Fire Department will be holding its RecruitNY Open House starting at 9AM. Residents of all ages can tour the firehouse, try on gear, meet local volunteers, and learn how to get involved — no firefighting experience required! There are all kinds of support roles available, and volunteers enjoy lifelong benefits: personal growth, professional development, and deep respect from the community.Whether you're planting a tree or thinking about stepping up for public service, April 26th is the day to get involved. The more we show up for each other, the stronger our village becomes — not just Cambridge, but the towns of White Creek and Jackson, too.Want to learn more about volunteering? Contact Melissa Spiezio at melissa.a.spiezio@gmail.com.Let’s make April 26th a day to remember — together.— Village of Cambridge, NY

Read More

32 Views

Write a Comment

Read More