A taste of Greece at The Fountains

A taste of Greece at The Fountains

Katina Catron, a caregiver at The Fountains in Millbrook, proudly serves authentic Greek meals cooked and prepared right on the patio.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLBROOK — Residents of The Fountains, a Watermark Retirement Community, were transported to Greece on Friday, June 13, during an authentic cooking demonstration on the patio that filled the air with Mediterranean aromas and a relaxed, resort-style ambiance.


Leland Sommer, a member of the maintenance and grounds crew, poses with resident Janet Robinson.Photo by Aly Morrissey

The event was part of the ongoing educational and social enrichment series known as Watermark University. This installment, titled Taste of Greece, was led by staff members Irene Brooker and Katina Catron, both proudly Greek and bonded by a shared love of traditional family recipes passed down from their grandmothers.

The afternoon menu featured grilled shrimp, chicken, beef and lamb, alongside classic Greek side dishes like orzo salad. Manning the grill was Paul Stubing, The Fountains’ food service director and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.

Fountains resident Joe Bonanno with his authentic Panama Jack hat and his wife, Diane, enjoying a greek meal following the demonstration on Friday, June 13.Photo by Aly Morrissey

The event drew a crowd far larger than anticipated. “We planned for 25 residents, but they just barreled through,” laughed Lisa Rieckermann, community life director at The Fountains, noting that this is one of the most popular programs they offer.

As community life director, Rieckermann ensures a wide variety of stimulating programs are available. “This was a wonderful cultural experience for our residents,” she said. “Many of whom have traveled to Greece, so this brought back great memories.”

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Street Fair celebration June 28

Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.

Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less