4,500 men unemployed; student smoking privileges; Harold Warner, ‘citizen of the year’

The following excerpts from The Millerton News were compiled by Kathleen Spahn and Rhiannon Leo-Jameson of the North East-Millerton Library.

December 14, 1933

‘North East Roads Listed Under CWA — Work Started on One Project Already Approved by National Government’; Five road projects in the Town of North East have been approved by the county Board of Supervisors for reconstruction under the Civil Works Administration, it was disclosed early this week by Supervisor Frank L. Monor, one of which has already been approved by the national government. The latter project, known as Mt. Riga-Boston Corners project No. 29, a county road, is already under reconstruction. The other projects listed, for which approval by the CWA is awaited, are town roads.

It is the desire of the county CWA headquarters to spread the “work for wages” program as far as possible throughout Dutchess, the Civil Works Administration authorities have pointed out, and all townships have been urged to advance all worthy projects for consideration. There are 4,500 men on the unemployed lists of the county at present, and it has been pointed out that if the towns act promptly, it will be possible to have 3,000 working by Christmas.

December 12, 1974

‘Fire Labeled Suspicious K & P Shopping Center’; The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department has been called in to investigate a fire described as suspicious last Thursday night at the K & P shopping center.

Fire destroyed a small, mobile office trailer parked near Route 21 at the front of the shopping center parking lot.

The K & P shopping center has been the object of a long and heated controversy in Amenia, with litigation in the New York state courts and local zoning restrictions causing delays.

‘Webutuck Faculty Pickets; Students Back Teachers’; As the sun rose over Webutuck School last Friday, a spirited parade of 52 sign-carrying teachers was marching around the circular driveway in front of the junior-senior high school.

Picketing is the latest job action by the teachers who have been protesting delayed contract negotiations, the $50 an hour fee of the school negotiator, and in their opinions, low salaries, proposed by the School Board, as compared to other schools in the county.

The picketing ended Friday as the first buses of high school students arrived at school. Teachers said that they did not want to interfere with the school day.

Many students have shown their support for the teachers. They marched with pickets before the School Board meeting on Monday night, Dec. 9 and several student representatives spoke before the Board.

Mathew Adrian, student council president, presented a proposal to the Board to change the smoking regulations in school. At present all smoking by students is forbidden and violators are subject to being suspended for five days.

The council proposed smoking privileges for students, 18 years and older, and for other students in grades seven through 12 who had parental permission. The council asked that the students be allowed to smoke outside and said that a peer pressure campaign would be started to prevent violators of the privilege.

At present Mr. Adrian said, most students smoke in the bathroom which makes it unpleasant for non-smokers to use the facilities. Gasper Perrello, a teacher and advisor to the student council, said that there is almost no stand to be taken. He is on “bathroom patrol” and he said it was very difficult to catch students smoking in the bathroom. One teacher, also on bathroom patrol, said that one student will usually stand guard while others smoke and yell out “Hi, Mrs. Bartell” when she sees the teacher coming. The teacher said that recently she caught a student blowing smoke out of her mouth, so she couldn’t yell out.” Mrs Bartell explained, “The student said, ‘I wasn’t smoking, Mrs. Bartell. It’s cold in here.’”

December 9, 1999

‘Vandals Hit New Associated Lightning Rod Building’; MILLERTON — Vandals ransacked the new Associated Lightning Rod Co. building on Route 22 last weekend, leaving behind a scene of senseless destruction.

According to owner Robert Cooper, the unknown person or persons responsible for the vandalism ripped apart screens and tore down temporary lighting fixtures. Windows were damaged. The vandals also removed heaters, and placed them in the outside Porto-potty, which was then tipped over. Plumbing drains inside the new building were bent. Phone lines were severed.

Dutchess County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating.

The incident was just one of many in the Millerton area this past year.

Denny Memorial Pool, Agway and Webutuck High School were also vandalized.

‘Warner Receives Citizen of the Year Award’; MILLERTON — Harold Warner has been a fixture in this village for more than 50 years.

And so it was only fitting that the Millerton Lions Club gave him one of its highest honors during its annual Christmas party at the Hamilton Inn Saturday night.

“What a nice gesture,” Mr. Warner said, referring to the Lions Club decision to honor him with its Citizen of the Year Award.

A native of East Canaan, Conn., Mr. Warner moved to Millerton in 1946 to be with his brother, the late Carl Warner, who owned the old Millerton Diner.

‘Rail Trail Shirts Are on Sale Now’; MILLERTON — Rail Trail sweat- and T-shirts are on sale. If you’re willing to pick them up at a location in Hillsdale, Millerton, or Sharon/Lakeville, you can order until Dec. 13, and if you don’t need it in time for Christmas, you can order until Dec. 31.

The sweatshirts are very good quality and in two styles. Prices, including tax, are $25.75 and $37.50…. For a $25 donation, Rail Trail will send someone you designate a T-shirt and a greeting card and make them a member for 2000 (which means they get the seasonal newsletter).

Trail construction from Coleman Station to Millerton, a distance of 3.7 miles, is progressing, although this section (Section 3) will not be surfaced until the spring.

‘Adopt-A-Family Aids 30 Families’; MILLERTON — Christmas 1999 is brightening for 30 families in our area, thanks to the generosity of the residents of North East and Millerton.

Six families have been “adopted” by other families as part of the Adopt-A-Family program. But gifts, clothing and cash donations are still needed to provide some Christmas joy to 100 children and their parents.“The community has pulled together early this Christmas season. Usually, there is panic at the last minute to assure all the children receive a gift and clothing,” said Stacey Moore, chairman of Adopt-A-Family.

‘Annual Children’s Christmas Party Dec. 11’; MILLERTON — The annual Children’s Christmas Party sponsored by American Legion Post 178, the Millerton Fire Department, Millerton Gun Club, the Round Tuit Restaurant and Lenny Funnari will be held at the Millerton Firehouse on Century Boulevard Saturday, Dec. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Ralph Hafford will perform magical feats from 1 to 2 p.m. and Santa will arrive at 2.

Refreshments will be provided for all town of North East and village of Millerton children up to 10 years of age.

‘Lions Club Bash Raises Some Cash’; MILLERTON — A recent fundraiser by the Millerton Lions Club has been very successful. Close to $4,000 was raised, all of which will go back to the community in scholarships, support for eyesight initiatives and for the 50/50 raffle winners.

Windy Milton, chairman of the event, announced that 200 tickets were sold. According to Mr. Milton, Lion Jake Shoifet sold 80 tickets.

“I thank the community for its support.” said Mr. Milton.

The winners are:

$1,000: Charles and Caroline Campbell.

$100: Ray McCarthy, Bill Shaughnasey, Al Bielke, Gary Funk, Dave Kallman.

$50: R. C. Deneen, Jack Clark, Lenny Morrison, Tina Early, B.J. Murphy, John Dietter, Stephen Clark, Peola Parker, Chet and Evie Lyle, Dick Fernandez.