AMENIA – Amenia remembered and honored its war dead on Monday, May 29, under a sparkling morning sky.
More than 60 residents assembled at the Fountain Square for short speeches, prayers and a laying of the wreath as taps was played.
Nick Woodard, commander of VFW Post 5444 in Amenia as well as a veteran of Germany and Vietnam, opened the ceremony. “Our presence here is in solid commemoration to all these men and women,” he said, noting the war memorial that bears the names of those who died in war “and is an expression of our tribute for their devotion to duty for courage, patriotism by their service for the flag of our nation.”
Amenia Town Supervisor Victoria Perotti, who was flanked by honor and color guards from VFW Post 5444 and the Amenia Fire Co., also spoke: “Memorial Day offers a chance to reflect on the countless individuals who served and lost their lives by coming together with the families and communities left behind. It also includes those veterans who end their lives after they’ve returned.
“Memorial Day is in remembrance of soldiers who fell in combat risking their lives for their country. They have fallen but are not forgotten. And have our deepest gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice.”
Following Perotti’s remarks, which received strong applause, Commander Woodard escorted two children, Kaden and Avery Chrapowitzky of Wappingers Falls, to place the wreath alongside the memorial as the VFW Post 5444 and Amenia Fire Co. guards saluted while taps played.
The ceremony ended following a prayer from the Rev. R. Kent Wilson of the Church of Immaculate Conception in Amenia.
Commander Woodard invited everyone back to the post for light refreshments.
John King stands at the site of his would-be winery and event space, which has stalled amid the Town’s years-long zoning review
NORTH EAST — For John and Kristen King, moving to the countryside and raising their children on a vineyard was the ultimate dream. But after purchasing a 36-acre property in Millerton and trying to make their vision financially sustainable, that dream now hangs in the balance amid a years-long zoning review in a town that’s prioritizing a thorough process over expedition.
One family’s vision
In 2023, John King began touring dozens of agricultural properties on the market in the region, but kept coming back to Millerton. The deal was sealed when he drove his wife up the hill to a 36-acre parcel on Route 44/22 and Smithfield Road and the couple took in its sprawling, bucolic view.
“That was it for her,” King said with a smile. “My wife didn’t want to look at another property.”
The pair, who live in Harlem with their 3- and 4-year-old, have been coming upstate for 20 years and say they’ve always had a soft spot for Millerton. “It was always our favorite Main Street to hang out on.”
While the idea of “King’s Winery & Vineyard” began to take shape in 2023, the official process with the Town of North East began this spring when the Kings submitted a petition to amend section 180-40 of the zoning code. The change would expand “Country Inn” permissions in the A5A and R3A districts — where their property sits — to accommodate uses such as weddings and small events that could provide supplemental income to sustain the vineyard.
While existing zoning regulations in the district allow for “repurposing an existing structure” for overnight accommodations, King hoped to amend the code to allow for new structures. His ideal winery would feature 24 rooms for overnight guests and work force housing that would provide a number of local jobs.
On a tour of the property, King pointed out where grapes would be grown and where lodging might be tucked into the treeline in order to blend with the natural charm of the land.
“The goal, first and foremost, is to build a vineyard and winery,” King said. “My family would be living there so we have no interest in hosting frequent, weekly weddings,” he said, addressing rumored concerns about local traffic and noise.
King also noted his commitment to hiring locally and boosting the economy. “Everyone we’ve brought on is local — architects, engineers, excavators — because we want to be part of the community, not just some city people coming in.”
Early encouragement
When the Kings’ petition first came before the Town Board in April, it was met with cautious optimism. The Board accepted the application for review, but warned that zoning amendments could take time.
In a July meeting, Town Attorney Warren Replansky called the proposal “reasonable” and “likely to benefit the community.” He added that it was consistent with the rural character of the area. Replansky said the applicant established an escrow account to cover the town’s legal costs — a gesture of good faith that signaled cooperation.
Supervisor Chris Kennan also sounded supportive, telling King that he would attempt to move the process forward quickly and solicit necessary feedback from experts including the town’s Planning Board, the Conservation Advisory Council and Nan Stolzenburg, a zoning consultant with decades of experience.
Deferred dreams
At the September Town Board meeting, the tone had shifted and the Board backed away from the idea of treating the petition as a standalone amendment. Instead, the group agreed to address the request during the broader second phase of the town’s zoning overhaul, which will review residential and agricultural districts. This move would honor the hard work that went into the commercial review, said Kennan, and put safeguards in place for the residential and agricultural districts.
Councilwoman Meg Winkler described the winery application as “putting the cart before the horse.” Fellow Councilman Chris Mayville said the Town had “learned a lot” about how complex zoning work can be. Kennan, once optimistic, now stressed caution. “Things can sound wonderful, and this application in particular sounds like a wonderful thing, but I realize it applies to a lot of other parcels and there are reasons to spend time making sure this is what we want to do.”
The CAC raised environmental concerns, particularly about noise from outdoor events. Stolzenburg pointed to state guidance that “incidental uses” must clearly support — not overshadow — agriculture. Universal feedback recommended more careful language and new definitions to avoid future loopholes.
The shift left King disillusioned. “We’ve tried to align with everything the Town wants so there isn’t friction. And yet here we are,” he said.
While Bill Kish, a member of the Planning Board, suggested the applicant prove his agricultural commitment by planting vines before seeking broader permissions, King insists that model isn’t financially viable.
“I’ve run the numbers every which way,” he said. “Without events and additional revenue, we’ll fail in the first year. We’re at the point of deciding whether or not to pull the plug.”
The town’s perspective
For Kennan, the answer lies in process. The town has spent years — and more than 100 meetings — modernizing its commercial zoning code in response to the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. That work is nearing completion, with residential and agricultural zoning next on the docket. Kennan hopes to assemble that review team before the end of the calendar year and move forward more efficiently.
At the end of the day, the petition represents not just one project but the precedent it could set. The Board’s caution highlights the tension between supporting economic growth and protecting the character of North East.
“I appreciate Mr. King’s interest and we welcome people who want to come and start a business and invest in our town,” Kennan said. “We want to make sure it’s done in a way that keeps the nature of the town consistent with what we know.”
Corinne Kalser, MD, left, talks about the benefits of animals as therapy partners, as Renee Bouffard, LCSW, of Healing Hoofbeats of CT, on right, watches Harry Potter, a young horse at Time Out.In the background, Finnegan, lead horse at Time Out comes to see what’s going on.
“Horses and other livestock maintain their wild instincts. They sense what we are feeling and that makes them amazing therapy partners.”
— Renee Bouffard, LCSW
In 2008, Time Out Foundation became an official rescue and therapeutic riding facility, fulfilling a lifelong dream of founder, Corinne Kalser, M.D.With her husband, David McArthur, LCSW, and the rest of their staff, they offer a haven for children and adults through gentle, relaxed therapies centered around animals — rescued horses, dogs, cats, and goats — on their 35-acre farm in Lakeville.
To ensure the foundation continues, Kalser is partnering with Healing Hoofbeats of CT, an organization with a similar philosophy of care.
“This is a way to keep it going after retiring,” said Kalser. Renee Bouffard, LCSW, founder of Healing Hoofbeats, along with Nikki Hedden, LMSW, and Rebecca Caruso, LCSW, will begin offering therapy at Time Out beginning Oct. 13. Based in Bethlehem, Connecticut, the Healing Hoofbeats team will bring their animal-assisted therapy services to Lakeville — and, as Kalser noted, “takes most insurances.”
Bouffard explained the process: “At the initial meeting, we introduce clients to all the animals with the intention of choosing who their therapy partner will be. This will be their partner for the duration of the therapy.”
“Through that process of building a relationship, issues come out — depression, anxiety, trauma. The therapist can address and can help solve them,” she added.
“Horses and other livestock maintain their wild instincts. They sense what we are feeling and that makes them amazing therapy partners.”
Relationships are built through groundwork and learning about your therapy partner.
“My oldest client is 89.We treat all ages — children, adults, families, couples, veterans,” Bouffard said.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at Time Out with the Healing Hoofbeats team, visit healinghoofbeatsofct.org or call 203-244-8411.
Millerton’s Willow Brook Farm is once again hosting its annual corn maze just north of the Village of Millerton.
MILLERTON — The leaves are falling, Irving Farm is serving its seasonal Maple Pumpkin Chai and corn mazes are “cropping” up across the area. Fall fanatics can enjoy a variety of events and outings throughout eastern Dutchess County to celebrate the start of “Spooky Season.”
Here’s a sampling to get you started:
Oktoberfest Weekend at Back Bar Beer Garden
Oct. 3-5
2947 Church St, Pine Plains
Say “Ein Bier, bitte” at the upcoming Oktoberfest celebration at the Back Bar Beer Cabin in Pine Plains. Enjoy live music, German food specials and seasonal beers. Lederhosen not required.
“Spooky Month” at the NECC Farmer’s Market
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25
Veteran’s Park, Millerton
Saturdays in October will be “spooky!” Visitors can enjoy fall-themed crafts — think glittery spider webs — and a tarot card reader. Halloween festivities will arrive early on Oct. 25, with costumes encouraged and kids invited to Trick-or-Treat around the vendors’ tables.
Soukup Farms Harvest Festival
Oct. 4–Nov. 1
271 Halls Corners Road,
Dover Plains
Typically known for their maple syrup, this fall you can expect hayrides to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch, corn maze, and family-friendly activities at this nearby, third-generation family farm. Festival hours are Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Willow Brook Farm’s Corn Maze and Haunted Happenings
Oct. 12, Nov. 1
196 Old Post Road 4, Millerton
The legendary corn maze is open Thursdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Oct. 12, enjoy pumpkin tic-tac-toe, paint-your-own pumpkins, mocktails from Elite Mobile Bar and adoptable pups from Bleu’s K9 Rescue.
On Nov. 1, the farm will host a haunted corn maze, decked out with spooky decor. Visitors can also shop cider donuts and fresh pumpkins, gourds and other fall harvest during regular operating hours.
Haunted Fortress of Standford
11 Creamery Road, Stanford
The Peter Wing-designed haunted attraction draws thousands of visitors every year to delight in a wholesome “creep fest,” as described by volunteer and Haunted Fortress Committee member Greg Arent. The fortress will be welcoming visitors again this October on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sensory friendly shows will be offered on Sunday, Oct. 5, and Sunday, Oct. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Haunted History Ghost Tours
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
9 Norton Road, Red Hook, NY
Guided ghost tours are available on Fridays this month at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Visitors can hear chilling tales of lost pilots, tragic adventures and eerie happenings as they explore the grounds on a 70-minute walking tour. Tours run every Friday night with four time slots available — 6, 6:30, 7:15, and 7:45 p.m. Advanced tickets are required.
Evergreen Cemetery Lantern Tours
Oct. 17 and 19
19 Maple Street, Pine Plains
Presented by the Little Nine Partners Historical Society, this annual guided cemetery tour combines local history and storytelling with the backdrop of the town’s historic burying ground. In collaboration with Pine Plains Free Library and the Stissing Center, actors will bring to life the lives of a Revolutionary War militia man, a Black farmer from Virginia, a society matron and more.
Rose Hill Farm
14 Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook, NY
With a taproom, cidery and food vendors, this orchard is a vibe with something for adults and kids alike. Pick plums, pumpkins and nine varieties
of apples.
Fishkill Farms
9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY
Pick sustainably grown apples, ride a wagon through the fields, explore the corn maze, and enjoy live music and hard cider from the Treasury Cider Bar. Tickets are required.
Barton Orchards
63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY
Experience live music, seasonal festivals, family-friendly activities and farm adventures across three venues: the Tap Room, Harvest Lounge and Sound Garden.
The living room is light, airy, and quiet, with works from local artists on the walls...and no television.
Craig Davis and Keavy Bedell have opened East Mountain House in Lakeville. It is an end-of-life facility — a home, really — that can accomodate up to two guests at a time. The first guest arrived in mid-September.
The house, at 14 Bostwick St., is the one Davis shared with his wife Sandy Dennis, who died in 2020. Davis said her spirit lives on in the house itself and in the approach taken for the guests.
When a visitor enters the house from the back, the first thing to do is greet Lucy the dog.
Next is to change into a pair of slippers, supplied by management.
Then the visitor is led around, with a stop in one of the guest bedrooms, complete with hospital bed and television.
The living and dining area is spacious and comfortable.
And quiet. No TV in here, quite deliberately.
In fact, there are no televisions anywhere except in the two guest rooms.
Davis said the house had to be remodeled to some extent, including removing a spiral staircase for something more conventional and practical. But the antique windows remain.
On the second floor are bedrooms for nursing staff and family members of guests, plus an office for Executive Director Cristin Gallup.
The third floor has a quiet space or “hangout.”
The house is decorated with works from local artists.
The yard is fenced in, and guests can bring a pet if the pet “is nice and gets along with Lucy.”
The entire atmosphere is influenced by Buddhism.
“It’s Buddhist without being Buddhist” said Davis.
One of the two guest bedrooms at East Mountain House, with a hospital bed, television, and Lucy the dog being helpful on the couch.Patrick L. Sullivan
Bedell, who is a certified end-of-life doula, said she and Davis talked about starting something for end-of-life care for some time.
“East Mountain House is 10 years from inception, with three years of earnest, hard work” she said.
The facility is affiliated with Visiting Nurses and Hospice of Litchfield County (VNHLC), so there is a trained staff presence around the clock.
Plus there are between 20 to 30 volunteers involved.
To qualify, a guest must be enrolled with VNHLC, have a medical diagnosis of three months or less to live, medical insights on what to expect at the end of life, have a signed MOLST form indicating Do No Resuscitate, have a designated health care proxy and financial power of attorney, and have a hospice plan for continued care in case of discharge.
There is a sliding scale for payment, and if a guest has few assets, there is no charge.
The effort relies on donations and volunteers. East Mountain Foundation Holdings is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
East Mountain relies on donations and volunteers, both of which are cheerfully accepted.
East Mountain House is “our gift to the community,” said Davis, and added, “Ultimately the community will have to keep it going.”
860-596-4117
