Neighbors help neighbors at the Tusten Repair Cafe

NARROWSBURG, NY — It’s a chance to do some good and help keep stuff out of the landfill. Or if you have something that just needs a fix, then why toss it? Repair it! For free!

The Tusten Repair Café is back. The next two dates are set, for Saturday, February 25 (storm date Saturday, March 18); and Saturday, May 6. 

The Repair Café will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tusten Town Hall, 210 Bridge St., under the theater. 

People are asked to limit the items in need of repair to two. If your item needs a special part for the repair, and you own the part (such as a three-way switch or the appropriate zipper), the sponsors ask that you bring it.

There are usually people who can repair:

   • Mechanical/electrical items

   • Wooden items

   • Jewelry

   • Bicycles

   • Stringed instruments

Others can help with sewing trouble, either with machine or hand sewing; can help with knitting and crocheting problems; or can give advice on plants.

The sewers and knitters can also do repairs, hem pants, fix holes in sweaters and more.

The Repair Café would also like to increase its variety of repair coaches, so if you can help—or know someone who can help—with the following, get in touch; see contact information below.

The café is particularly looking for a knife sharpener, help with computers and someone who can repair ceramics.

“Our coaches,” said a spokesperson, “will do their best to fix your item. It’s not a guarantee, and may [only] be advice.”

To learn more, email repaircafetusten@gmail.com.

Federal budget includes $11.5 million for Delaware River conservation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Advocates are celebrating a $1 million spending increase for key conservation priorities in the Delaware River watershed.

The money is included in the omnibus spending plan approved by Congress last year and signed by President Biden. It includes $11.5 million in funding for 2023 for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP), which invests federal funding to advance local projects that mitigate flooding, preserve ecologically sensitive areas and improve outdoor access across the watershed. 

The Delaware River provides drinking water for millions of families across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

This increase is on top of $5.2 million for the program from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It’s appropriated annually through 2026.

“The [DRBRP] empowers organizations to tackle critical environmental challenges through projects such as increasing equitable outdoor access, preventing stormwater runoff and stream erosion, limiting flooding events, and protecting against loss of wildlife habitat,” said Kelly Knutson, director of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW). “The increase in funding for the Delaware River Basin will allow for significant advancements in conservation and restoration of the resources upon which people, wildlife and our economy rely.”

Government entities, nonprofit organizations and schools within the basin will be able to apply for funds to implement on-the-ground restoration and conservation projects early next year.

The Delaware River Basin is the heart of the region, providing clean drinking water to 13.3 million people, including two major cities, Philadelphia and New York City. Spanning four states and 12,800 square miles, the watershed generates $25 billion in annual economic activity, supports 600,000 jobs, and contributes $21 billion in ecosystem goods and services each year. Land and water within the Delaware River Basin must be protected, said a spokesperson for the CDRW, as it is a critical refuge for more than 90 species of fish, 400 types of birds, and many other animals, including several threatened and endangered species.

For more information about the CDRW, visit www.del
riverwatershed.org.