Town of Jay Volunteer Day
The Town of Jay is calling on residents of all ages to help spruce up our local outdoor spaces during the 2026 Parks & Trails Volunteer Day on Saturday, April 25. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., volunteers will gather across different sites in Au Sable Forks, Jay, and Upper Jay to prepare for a busy summer of youth sports and concerts. Whether you’re interested in trail repairs at Henry’s Trail, raking ball fields at the Grove Athletic Fields, or gardening at the Wells Memorial Library, there is a task suited for every ability level. This rain-or-shine event is a fantastic way to reconnect with neighbors while ensuring our shared parks remain beautiful and accessible for the entire community.
To keep spirits high, the day is packed with perks for those lending a hand. The morning kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with free coffee and baked goods at each volunteer site, followed by two hours of community service. After the hard work is done, all volunteers are invited to a free pizza party and community lunch at 12:30 p.m. at Grove. If you plan to attend, please sign up in advance at https://forms.gle/j5JoLkx4KFpUV3ZWA to help the town estimate the lunch order!
Au Sable Forks Fire Department Open House
The Au Sable Forks Fire Department is thrilled to invite the entire community to an Open House at their fire station on Saturday, April 18th, 2026. This event, running from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 2456 East Au Sable Street (Route 9N), offers a fantastic opportunity for residents to meet their local first responders and learn about the department’s vital role in public safety. The day will feature impressive demonstrations, including the “Jaws of Life,” as well as a range of engaging activities for children, such as fire hose practice and a “Turn Out Gear Challenge.” Visitors are also encouraged to tour the station, apply for department membership, and snap photos with firefighters and trucks.
Best of all, this event is completely free! Everyone is invited to attend as a guest and enjoy complimentary lunch and refreshments. Burgers, hot dogs, and chips will be served, making it a fun and informative outing for families and individuals alike. Whether you’re curious about a future in fire service or simply want to support the department and thank our local heroes, this is a must-attend community event. For more details or questions, please contact the Au Sable Forks Fire Department.
Shakespeare Bugaloo Theatre Pop-Up
The Depot Theatre and CCE Essex 4-H are teaming up to host a creative “Theatre Pop-Up: Shakespeare Bugaloo” on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Running from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., this event invites all Essex County youth to the Cornell Cooperative Extension building at 6 Fairground Way in Westport. Local theatre artists Tyler Nye and Mason Barber will lead the session, guiding participants through a fun and energetic exploration of performance art. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zones and engage with classic themes in a modern, accessible way.
The workshop is designed to help young people build confidence and develop essential communication skills through the lens of theatre. By practicing presentation skills in a supportive and fun environment, attendees can sharpen their ability to express themselves clearly and creatively. Families interested in this unique educational experience can register via the provided QR code or by emailing essex4h@cornell.edu for more information. Don’t miss out on this chance to bring a little bit of the stage to the North Country!
Hope you have a great weekend,
Matt.
