Flaherty talks of new book at Troutbeck

Flaherty talks of new book at Troutbeck
A profound believer in the joys of senior life and its attendant rewards, Jim  Flaherty returned to Troutbeck in Amenia, the scene of one of his life’s greatest projects, to read from his newly published book, “Embrace Your Age: You can be better than ever.” 
Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — No matter chronological age, who doesn’t want to be better than ever?

For advice on how to do that, fans of Jim Flaherty will want to read, “Embrace Your Age: You can be better than ever.” A number of those fans crowded into the lodge living room at Troutbeck on Wednesday, Jan. 18, to hear Flaherty read excerpts that were nothing short of a pep talk for seniors.

Flaherty describes himself on the book’s cover as “an optimistic octogenarian with a bright future,” and for those who know him, at 87, that’s about right. His career path pinnacled when Flaherty was a top advertising executive managing worldwide accounts. That career pivoted when he came upon the historic ruins of a hotel and conference center in Amenia known as Troutbeck that begged to be returned to life, and so it was, and is now a thriving destination for corporate events and special occasions. He and partner Bob Skibsted made that happen.

It was clear throughout his successful career by any standards that Flaherty knew how to write, a talent that developed early in life and continued to serve in many capacities.

The afternoon program was replete with anecdotes, amusing and serious, and wisdom about publishing and about living. The snippets came from the book’s chapters where titles ask jarring questions of the reader, done with intention by Flaherty.

“Would you want to be your friend?” is one such probing question. Flaherty suggests that everyone should work at being a friend to others.

“It’s very strange for me to be sitting here,” Flaherty began, gesturing around the familiar building reclaimed from messy resident raccoons in years past.

His first two books had been fiction before he switched to writing non-fiction, Flaherty said. “The problem in writing is to have an idea,” he added.

“I am concerned and annoyed when I see people in their 60s and 70s retreating from life,” Flaherty said, recommending that everyone should wake up each day with a goal in mind.

“Keep working on yourself; it leads to a better life,” he advised, adding, “It’s all up to you.”

Once asked to describe his life’s meaning in six words, Flaherty said he wrote, “I am present: living, giving, loving.”

“Embrace Your Age” can be ordered from Oblong Books in Millerton or directly from Amazon.

Latest News

Stanford parents call for more representation in school closure talks

Cold Spring Early Learning Center on Homan Road in Stanford. Pine Plains school district officials proposed closing the building last year citing budget constraints and declining enrollment.

Photo by Nathan Miller

STANFORD — Community members gathered on Wednesday, March 4, for a first look at a newly-formed committee that will analyze the impact of closing an elementary school building in the Pine Plains Central School District.

Town Supervisor Julia Descoteaux arranged the Wednesday meeting at Stanford Town Hall to find volunteers to represent the town in the district-wide Building Utilization Advisory Committee. The committee's first district-wide meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 12.

Keep ReadingShow less

Accuracy and reputation key to local news

Accuracy and reputation key to local news

Publisher James Clark, left, and Executive Editor Christian Murray speak at Scoville Memorial Library March 7.

Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

SALISBURY — What makes or breaks a local newspaper is its reputation, Lakeville Journal Executive Editor Christian Murray said at the Scoville Memorial Library Saturday, March 7.

Murray and publisher James Clark led a discussion at the library that was originally scheduled for January, but the weather intervened.

Keep ReadingShow less
Library building expected to reopen one month after burst pipe floods basement

The Millerton fire crew watches a pump hose carry water from the NorthEast-Millerton Library’s basement on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — Library officials expect the NorthEast-Millerton Library to be fully open the weekend of March 14-15, a full month after a burst pipe forced librarians to move operations to the annex building on Century Boulevard.

Executive Director Rhiannon Leo-Jameson said the temporary relocation has been stressful, but library patrons have been understanding and using the library to the fullest extent possible.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Alfred Lyon Ivry

Alfred Lyon Ivry

SALISBURY — Alfred Lyon Ivry, a long-time resident of Salisbury, and son of Belle (Malamud) and Morris Ivry, died in Bergen County, New Jersey, on Feb. 12 at the age of 91, surrounded by family members. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he was a graduate ofAbraham Lincoln High School and Brooklyn College, where he earned a B.A. in English literature and Philosophy and served as drama critic for the school paper.

Alfred earned a PhD in Medieval Jewish Philosophy from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1963 and in 1971 was awarded a D. Phil in Medieval Islamic Philosophy from Oxford University, Linacre College.

Keep ReadingShow less

Alice Gustafson

Alice Gustafson

LAKEVILLE — Alice Gustafson (née Luchs), 106, of Lakeville, Connecticut, passed away on March 2, 2026. Born in Chicago on Dec. 15, 1919, Alice was raised between New York City, Florida and Lime Rock, where she graduated from Salisbury High School in 1937.

Alice’s career spanned roles at Conover-Mast Publications in New York City, The Lakeville Journal, the Interlaken Inn, and as a secretary to the past president of Smith College. In 1948, she married Herbert “Captain Gus” Gustafson at Trinity Church in Lime Rock.

Keep ReadingShow less

Larry Power

Larry Power

LAKEVILLE — Larry Power passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026.

Larry was born at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City in 1939.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.