A program hosted by the Amenia Garden Club on Saturday, Feb. 22, was moderated by Garden Club President Ken Monteiro in conversation with Michelle Alfandari of Sharon, co-founder of the Homegrown National Park biodiversity movement.
AMENIA — Gardeners don’t stop being gardeners in winter, as evidenced by the enthusiastic turnout for a winter gardening talk held at the Amenia Free Library on Saturday, Feb. 22.
About 45 aspiring and accomplished gardeners gathered to view a film about the Homegrown National Park movement, a grass-roots conservation effort to regenerate biodiversity by planting native plants and battling invasive intruders across the nation.
Co-founder of Homegrown National Parks in 2019, gardener Michelle Alfandari of Sharon, Connecticut, shared ideas that could be incorporated into local yards and gardens to advance toward a solution that would quash invasive species and encourage natives. The resulting climate benefit is to wildlife species that thrive in an environment of biodiversity.
Alfandari founded HNP in collaboration with Professor Doug Tallamy, Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware’s School of Agriculture. Both manage a Biodiversity Map that invites all gardeners to register on the map their native plantings, whether acreage or even a patio pot, seeking to turn the national map green with biodiversity.
Each property owner is encouraged to pursue four objectives: support the food web to support habitat — invasives detract from that web, but an oak tree helps — sequester carbon from the environment, manage the watershed, and support pollinators. Plant choice matters.
Relationships with nature are collaborative, not adversarial, the film advised.
“How do you get people inspired?” Alfandari asked hypothetically, noting that once people have direct experience, they are well on their way.
A grassroots organization, HNP now boasts more than 140,000 acres and 250,000 followers on social media, Alfandari said. As a grassroots movement, the organization is not limited by regulations.
“Trying to convert lawn into meadow is complicated,” Amenia Garden Club President Ken Monteiro observed, suggesting instead that gardeners look under existing trees on their property and create native beds under those trees. The strategy will lessen lawn mowing and protect beneficial insects that may drop down from the trees. Caterpillars are extremely beneficial and an important food source for birds.
From the audience, local gardening expert Maryanne Snow Pitts suggested leaving a rectangle of lawn unmowed. Another gardener shared his experience with finding goldenrod and Queen Anne’s Lace appearing in his rectangle.
All agreed that the fad of leaving the entire lawn unmowed has proven to be unpopular with neighbors.
Once invasives are removed, native plants will be encouraged to move into the space, Alfandari agreed.
Audience questions soon gravitated to methods for removing invasive plants, something of interest to everyone, while noting the problem that birds often nest in invasive overgrowth.
Debate ensued about the use of Roundup or Glyphosate with arguments on both sides.
Concluding the event, Monteiro asked the audience to provide suggestions about the local function of the Amenia Garden Club and its place within the community.
For more information about HNP, go to www.homegrownnationalpark.org. And to learn more about the Amenia Garden Club, go to www.ameniagardens.org.
MILLERTON — Town Supervisor Christopher Kennan had some bad news to share at a regular Town of North East Board meeting on Thursday, March 13 — $3.2 million in wastewater grants were dropped from the continuing resolution Congress was considering.
The next day, the Senate passed the stopgap measure to avert a government shutdown.
The Village of Millerton and the Town of North East had been anticipating the earmarked funds that weresupported by Sens. Chuck Schumer, D- NY, and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY. U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan, D-Kingston, had secured $1 million, a grant that Kennan said was intact.
“It’s certainly not good news for the community,” Kennan said at the meeting.
In an interview Kennan said that the Village and the Town would continue to work toward a final design for the project, which has been estimated to cost approximately $13.9 million.
“We’ve got to find that $3 million,” he said.
At last week’s meeting, Kennan also had some good news to report, noting that two proposed projects have been advancing at the Planning Board: One is a much anticipated grocery to be located at the Millerton Square Plaza and a second is a proposed new healthy fast-food eatery in the former McDonald’s location.
Kennan also commented on a proposed racquet-sports facility to be located close to the state line on Route 44. That project was introduced to the Planning Board recently.
Kennan also announced that the Town will hold Bulk Trash Day on May 10 in the morning at the old Town Garage on South Center Street.
Responding to noise complaints about gunfire at The Millerton Gun Club on Route 22, Kennan said that he and Mayor Jenn Najdek had scheduled a meeting with the group to discuss a change that would end shooting after 5 p.m. and on Sunday.
“Hopefully we’re going to see some results from that,” Kennan said.
Work on the former Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses building on Route 22 that is planned to serve as the new Town Hall has been focused on resolving an issue with Suburban Propane, Kennan said. Suburban Propane is requesting that the town purchase the buried tanks, and Kennan asked Town Attorney Warren Replansky to inquire about proof of ownership of the tanks.
Kennan also discussed plans to replace a 2006 highway plow truck with a 2026 truck. Highway Superintendent Robert Stevens said as part of the replacement planning, the purchase would have no effect on the budget and the truck should be delivered by the end of 2025.
Mayor Najdek addressed the Board with a request to lease the old Town Garage on South Center Street as an interim way to solve a storage problem created by the fire that destroyed the Village Water Department building in early February.
Board members discussed the long-term goal of sharing space with the Village at the new Town Garage on Route 22 that opened last year.
“This is an immediate need,” Najdek said, noting that the Village ‘State of Emergency’ could extend to mid-summer.
There appeared to be consensus that the Town would accommodate the Village, and Town Attorney Replansky was asked to revise a resolution to be considered at the Board’s next meeting.
In her March 11 address to county residents, the focus was on the fiscal health and wellbeing of Dutchess, but some officials felt county executive Sue Serino missed the mark by avoiding such topics as funding cuts and other concerns.
HOPEWELL JUNCTION — On Tuesday, March 11, Republican county executive Sue Serino took to the stage at John Jay High School to deliver commentary on Dutchess in her State of the County address.
The evening began with a welcome by Wappingers Central School District superintendent Dwight Bonk and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dutchess County sheriff Kirk Imperati. Ava Dvorak, a senior at John Jay, offered her rendition of the national anthem followed by an invocation from Reverend Dr. Edward L. Hunt of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. The Evergreen Chapter of Sweet Adeline’s International performed “God Bless the USA (Proud to be an American)” with the Roy C. Ketcham High School Step Team closing out the pre-speech segment of the evening with their “Formation” demonstration.
Sophia Puglia, a John Jay junior, then introduced the county executive whom she described as “a role model for women.” Serino then began her presentation, “The Lives We Touch,” by thanking her family, colleagues and those assembled. She pinpointed Dutchess residents as her focus, saying “Tonight is about more than policies and programs. It is about people. Because — at the heart of every decision we make, every dollar we invest, and every initiative we launch — there is a life we are striving to improve.”
Serino’s speech highlighted the expansion of county undertakings for seniors, youths and veterans as well as initiatives in public safety, emergency medical and mental health services, agriculture, housing and childcare. Hoarding, crime and scams impacting seniors were also topics of discussion during her address.She noted the reorganization of the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, which has been separated into health, mental health, and veterans’ affairs — an approach which Serino believes has enabled these departments to serve residents in a more productive fashion.
Serino pointed out the county’s Silver Certification from the state via its New York Climate Smart Communities program, and emphasized its position of fiscal strength with its AA+ bond rating status as confirmed by Standard and Poors — the highest rating for any county in New York State.Additionally, Serino noted transit ridership is up with over 880,000 Dutchess residents utilizing public transport services.
She maintained that strategic planning and conservative economics have benefitted Dutchess homeowners and county employees.“I’m so proud that our 2025 budget continues the tradition of fiscal responsibility, cutting the property tax rate for the 10th year while ensuring that there were zero layoffs within county government,” Serino said, pointing out that the county will continue to actively monitor its spending while continuing to steadily grow initiatives.
Serino said she is prioritizing programs to benefit the 55-plus set. She shared the news of the creation of the OFA Ambassador title, a role expected to connect seniors and their families with programs and services offered by the Office for the Aging. “It’s so important that they have the support they need to stay active, connected, and live the lives they deserve,” said Serino, who also announced the Older Adult Skills Fair which will enable older workers to keep their skills sharp and remain connected to their communities.
Enriching the lives of veterans is another area Serino is tackling with the April launch of the first “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremony in recognition of Vietnam veteran and First Lieutenant Andrew Doro. She reminded the audience of Veterans One-Stop, which connects former military members to services and benefits such as housing guidance, healthcare options or financial assistance. Serino also announced another new title — a Veterans Outreach role, which will serve as information provider to veterans in need of guidance for supports they may need. Additionally, a transportation initiative, “Go Go Veterans,” has been launched, which provides vets with transport to appointments and gatherings.
More specifically to Northeastern Dutchess, Serino spoke of housing initiatives, pointing out the Habitat for Humanity dwelling recently erected in the Town of North East. At press time, the dwelling remained empty, pending necessary revisions to the property which will enable the owners, the Macagnone family, to finally occupy the premises. Serino also spoke of the need to grow locally owned business, saying, “Our small businesses are the heart of our local economy, and we’ve recently launched our Small Business Roundtables to provide a space for business owners to connect, share challenges, and access resources to help them grow and succeed. Our first two roundtables, in the Village of Millerton and the Arlington Business District, were huge successes.”
One item of discussion undoubtedly of interest to residents of Northeastern Dutchess was EMS services. Extended ambulance service wait times and coverage gaps have long been an issue throughout the region which lacks a hospital. Serino touted the implementation of supplemental EMS coverage, but then segued into a discussion regarding EMS needs related to senior citizen accidents without returning to the topic at hand.
North East town supervisor Chris Kennan, who was in the audience, felt the issue should have been further addressed. “While I was interested to hear what the county executive had to say on a number of subjects, my main interest in being there was to speak with her about EMS services in the Town of North East,” Kennan said. “We probably pay more on a per capita basis for EMS services than any other town in the County... The town is committed to making sure our residents have access to emergency medical services, but it is also my job to look for a less costly way to do it.We need the county’s help on this.”
Throughout the evening, Serino remained upbeat, an approach which, while accentuating the positive, may not necessarily address the fiscal worries of Dutchess residents. While Republican politicos in the audience supported Serino throughout the evening, some Democratic officials had a different take. “The county executive’s address struck an optimistic tone but felt out of touch, given the struggles many Dutchess County residents face, especially as federal funding cuts have started to hit our community,” observed Chris Drago, D-19. “Nearly $3 million in funding has been cut or frozen at Rock Steady Farm in North East, $600,000 at Ronnybrook Farm in Pine Plains and the Cary Institute in Millbrook has already faced layoffs. We’ve heard of individual agricultural grants disappearing, hurting local businesses, workers, and our broader economy … These cuts are happening now, and we need leadership that will fight for our fair share.”
In a March 12 email to the News, county comptroller Dan Aymar-Blair conveyed his own concerns that greater advocacy and more action on behalf of the county executive is needed. “I appreciate that Sue focused on the people we serve. It reflects what I’ve come to know of her,” said Aymar-Blair. “In my conversations with people, non-profits, and businesses, I do not hear a sentiment of hope that was the theme of the speech. There is anxiety everywhere about federal funding being cut off, and what lower federal spending will mean for our local economy. We are heading into choppy waters and people are always asking me, ‘What’s the plan if we lose grants? What’s the plan if sales tax revenue drops off?’”
Fans of fine art filed into the Sharon Historical Society’s gallery on Saturday, March 15, for the opening reception of student works from the Northlight Art Center in Amenia, New York.
Northlight was founded in Sharon by Pieter Lefferts in 2010 and later moved to Amenia. This is the 14th year of the annual student exhibit.
“It’s an invitation for people who may never have thought that they might be included in an art exhibit,” said Lefferts about the show that includes 34 works created by a dozen artists. Lefferts added that visitors will see a range of abilities and individual expression.
“I like to draw out innate expression,” Lefferts said. Lefferts said there were 34 pieces as he had hung them all the day before.
Several works on display were inspired by local subjects. For example, Kathleen Kulig’s “Grand Dame of the Orchard” depicts an actual old apple tree found at a friend’s home.
“I’ve actually picked apples from that tree,” Kulig said.
Kathleen Kulig with her “Grand Dame of the Orchard” painting.Leila Hawken
Artist Cathleen Halloran’s acrylic on paper painting titled “Eleven Eleven” is a loving remembrance of her dog, Maddie, whose death was imminent as Halloran created the painting, an expression of her subject’s magnificent spirit.
Variety is evident in artists’ ages, mediums, experience and subject matter.
“It’s always a pleasure to see how the artists grow every year, a fascinating variety,” said Historical Society President Chris Robinson as he dished out the wine and other beverages in the reception area.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the historical society, although not all works are for sale. The exhibit will be open until Friday, May 9, during historical society hours. For additional information, go to www.sharonhist.org.
Coinciding with the gallery show, the Sharon Historical Society’s current exhibit is worth a visit. Titled “Family Collections,” the exhibit shows collective Sharon memories found in the artifacts left by ancestors, remembered now in part by what they left behind. Each is a clue to the town’s historic past, spanning two centuries.
MILLERTON — Residents along with nearby neighbors of Century Boulevard received a second presentation of plans to redevelop the village thoroughfare.
Much of the meeting, held on Saturday, March 15 at the NorthEast-Millerton Library Annex, focused on parking options that were presented by Brandee Nelson, a senior project manager for Tighe & Bond of Rhinebeck.
The engineering-services firm is preparing a feasibility study for the Village Trustees. Funding for the project has been received from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Northeast Dutchess Fund and from Hudson River Valley Greenway.
Trustees David Sherman and Matt Herzog kicked off the meeting, noting that one of the goals of the 2018 Millerton Pedestrian Plan is to create a design concept for Century Boulevard.
Key recommendations from the Dutchess County Transportation Council call for centerline striping, delineated parking spaces, crosswalks, sidewalks and lighting, along with tree plantings.
Nelson presented options that showed possible parking patterns that were envisioned based on street width as one determining factor. Century Boulevard, which used to be a freight yard for an east-west railroad, ranges from 70 to 93 feet in width and is 1,000 feet long. In the past, it was called ‘Parking Street.’
“There is no defined pedestrian infrastructure,” Nelson said to the group. At a first session held on Feb. 1, the Annex room was filled. Last Saturday, only a handful of residents showed.
At the west end of the boulevard, Dutchess County is proposing changes that will be part of a Maple Avenue sidewalk widening project to give it an accessibility update.
Much of the meeting was devoted to debating the pros and cons of perpendicular versus 30-degree angled parking. The discussion also labored over the expected quantity of parking needed by the Village.
Perpendicular parking could provide up to 151 parking spaces, while angular parking options up to 68 spaces.
A back and forth ensued with Nelson, residents and some of the trustees, including Mayor Jenn Najdek, about the options. Maintenance costs also were targeted in the discussion, because the wider the boulevard the more expense falls to the Village, and the same is true of maintaining green spaces that include trees, shrubbery or even wood chips.
Public comment also drew a bead on the different parking needs on either end of the boulevard, as well as the unique needs of the Millerton Fire Department and the post office.
Plans call for retaining the EV charger, currently located east of the Mane Street Salon.
Consensus seemed to emerge that angular parking seems to make sense, in part because it obviates the need when backing out to enter the oncoming lane. A second common ground seemed to emerge with the notion that a sidewalk should be located on the south side of the boulevard.
Next steps include plans to have the Village Board talk about what might be a preferred approach at its March 24 meeting so that Tighe & Bond can prepare a concept to present to the trustees in April.
