WASSAIC — With the call for racial justice and equality growing stronger, people far and wide have sought to promote radical change these last few weeks, collaborating together on both an individual and community level in a united front for Black Lives Matter (BLM). When Paola Velez, the pastry chef of Kith/Kin in Washington, D.C., decided to launch a worldwide virtual bake sale called Bakers Against Racism, thousands of bakers, pastry chefs, cooks and other masters of the culinary arts around the globe responded with enthusiasm, eager to mobilize in an effort to advocate “radical change against systematic and structural racism,” according to the www.bakersagainstracism.com.
Taking pre-orders from Monday, June 15, through Saturday, June 20, the virtual bake sale culminated on Saturday, June 20, when customers were invited to stop by The Lantern in Wassaic to pick up their goodies.
Standing underneath the shade of The Lantern’s front porch, a small, but talented menagerie of bakers, cooks and pastry chefs from the local region gathered to sell their homemade goods for the BLM cause and to raise awareness of the need for change. Among the sale’s participants, The Lantern made room on its front porch for Ariel Yotive from Troutbeck and Serge Madikians from Serevan, both in Amenia; Jessie Sheehan from Sharon, Conn.; and Johnny Dearth from The Lantern. All proceeds raised at the bake sale went toward organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Taking the lead for bringing Bakers Against Racism to the local region was Amenia resident Dana Cowin, the former editor-in-chief of Food & Wine Magazine and host of the podcast, “Speaking Broadly.” Cowin said she placed the call out for chefs, cooks and bakers interested in participating just two weeks ago. Within the hour, she received a number of enthusiastic responses.
“The community of chefs, cooks and bakers in this area is extraordinary. There’s so much talent, so much enthusiasm and so much generosity,” Cowin marveled, praising everyone for showing up with contact lists for customers along with beautifully packaged treats.
“I’m happy to be able to raise money for this Black Lives Matter cause through this international bake sale,” she continued, voicing her appreciation of The Lantern providing the space for the sale.
In this age of social distancing, some might be curious as to how a “virtual” bake sale might work. The virtual aspect was through participants’ promotion of Bakers Against Racism on the world wide web, whether it was featured on their respective restaurants’ websites, social media accounts and ads; through their own online presence; or in connection with Bakers Against Racism. Starting June 15, the virtual pre-sale for Bakers Against Racism had participants buzzing around their kitchens to organize pre-orders of their food as well as extras to sell at the collective sale. By the day of the collective sale, many of the participants had already sold an astounding number of goods.
Sheehan, a cookbook writer and recipe developer from Sharon, remarked with pride her success in having sold out orders of her olive oil poundcake, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate zucchini bread and chocolate walnut marshmallow fudge.
“It feels important and amazing to be able to contribute in some tiny way, doing what it is I do, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to do something like this,” Sheehan said.
“Basically, it’s a way for us as restaurant hospitality people to show support in ways we know how,” said Erika DaSilva from The Lantern as she sold The Lantern’s house-made pizza dough for customers to take home along with orders of savory scones.
“It was great to get Troutbeck involved in such an incredible fundraiser for such a wonderful, international movement,” said Victoria Hood from Troutbeck as she helped Yotive sell everything bagels and mini chocolate babkas.
The bake sale drew a steady stream of customers throughout the afternoon. All while respecting social distancing rules, customers eyed an enticing assortment of goods on display, from scones, bagels, blondies and babka to strawberry shortcake, ginger molasses cookies and Armenian spice walnut cake, knowing their purchases would contribute to a worthy cause. Seven months into her pregnancy, Pawling resident Agatha Jordan said she’s been unable to go to BLM protests. However, by supporting Bakers Against Racism, she could show her support for radical change.
“It’s really encouraging,” Jordan said as she watched customers buy baked goods, “and it’s a great way for me to participate.”
Bringing their goodies to the shade of neighboring trees, a small impromptu picnic formed across the street from The Lantern as neighbors and friends sat together to savor their treats with other like-minded individuals, pleased to support an evolving cause geared toward lasting change. The sale raised $3,500; Sheehan, meanwhile raised $1,000 on her own from her baked goods, specifically for the NAACP.
AMENIA — The first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4, at Webutuck Elementary School went smoothly, with teachers enthusiastically greeting the eager young students disembarking from buses. Excitement was measurable, with only a few tears from parents, but school began anyway.
Ready for her first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4, at Webutuck Elementary School, Liliana Cawley, 7, would soon join her second grade class, but first she posed for a photo to mark the occasion.Photo by Leila Hawken
AMENIA — While the courage and perseverance of Revolutionary era patriots is well understood and celebrated, the stories of the fate of British loyalists in New York are not as clear.
Seen as the initial event in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Amenia Historical Society will present a talk titled, “The Plight of a Loyalist in Revolutionary New York,” examining the journal of Cadwallader Colden, Jr., spanning the period of 1777-1779. The speaker will be noted author, genealogist and historian Jay Campbell.
The talk is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m. at the Smithfield Presbyterian Church in Amenia. The handicapped-accessible church is located at 656 Smithfield Valley Road. Refreshments will be served.
Colden was the son of a New York Lieutenant Governor. He was a surveyor, farmer and mercantilist, serving as a judge in Ulster County. His fortunes changed dramatically with the dawn of the Revolutionary War when he remained loyal to the British Crown. His arrest came in 1776, just before the start of his journal.
Campbell is a historian specializing in Hudson Valley history, and the regional stories of Revolutionary era families.
Erin Rollins of Millbrook in the Fashion Feed booth, open year round, at the Millbrook Antiques Mall. All proceeds from Fashion Feeds go to the Food of Life Pantry. As an interior designer by trade, Rollins designed this booth to evoke a high-end department store to align with the designer brands she carries.
MILLERTON — The Townscape 50/50 raffle drawing has collected a pot of more than $7,000.
That raffle drawing will take place this Saturday at 2 p.m. in Veteran’s Park. The moment is not just about picking a winner, but also about reflecting on how far Townscape has come since its humble beginnings in 1998, when founder Catherine Fenn — alongside Renee Vollen and Jan Gilmor — first set out to beautify her beloved village.
Fenn’s connection to Millerton runs deep. “I moved here from the Bronx when I was eight years old and fell in love with the place, even as a child,” she recalled, remembering camping trips at Rudd Pond and enjoying the quiet pace of life.
At 15, her family relocated to southern Connecticut. “My dad didn’t think there was much here for us, so we moved. I left kicking and screaming, literally, and I said, ‘Someday I’m coming back.’”
Years later, after marrying, divorcing, and raising children, Fenn kept that promise. She returned to Millerton and married a childhood friend who was very involved in the fire department. After his passing, Fenn threw herself into her own way of giving back.
“I care about this village deeply. Townscape is my way of helping Millerton be the best it can be,” she said.
What began as an informal effort to gather volunteers and plant flowers eventually blossomed into something larger. “We started with flowers up and down Main Street — barrels of them everywhere. Then it grew into benches, tables, trees and even events. It was such a fun world, a really wonderful organization with so many people involved.”
Fenn’s service to the community extends beyond beautification. She spent roughly two decades on the Planning Board, served as Town Supervisor and worked with the county housing authority. Still, her passion for flowers, trees and landscapes has left the most visible mark on Millerton — shaping not only how the village looks, but how it feels.
In 2006, Townscape became a nonprofit organization. But beautification, Fenn admits, isn’t always the easiest cause to fund. “We’re just putting flowers out — and I shouldn’t say ‘just,’ because to me it’s really important. The trees, the benches, all of it matters. But it’s not high on most people’s list when they think about charitable donations. Still, people have been wonderfully generous over the years.”
This Saturday’s raffle drawing is one way neighbors can show their support. The winner does not have to be present to claim the prize, but those who stop by can enjoy cookies, lemonade and artwork by local creators on display in the park.
MILLBROOK — Local crows should prepare to become highly spooked as planners of Millbrook Community Day, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, have announced that a Scarecrow Contest will be part of the festivities.
Residents are invited to get creative and devise their own renditions of a scarecrow from traditional to whatever imagination might come up with.
Judging criteria will include creativity, including originality, new ideas, or perhaps whether the scarecrow tells a story. Design criteria include the creator’s technique, materials — recycled materials are emphatically a plus — and durability.
Rules include that scarecrows be free-standing, able to stand on their own or with minimal support. No scarecrow can be store-bought. Entries must be able to fit within a 6 x 6 foot space once assembled. A stand is available upon request. Scarecrows must be non-political, family friendly, and in a good-natured spirit.
Entrants are responsible for set-up, scheduled from 9 to 10 a.m. on Sept. 20, location to be assigned the week before. Judging will begin at 1 p.m. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m.
For more information and to register to participate, email mba@millbrooknewyork.com or go to www.millbrooknewyork.com/community-day-2025
