AMENIA — As of this June, downtown Amenia has been able to experience the tastes and textures of the Spanish culture thanks to a new Latin market, Tienda Mi Esquina, which is now open at 3294 Route 343.
Translating the store’s Spanish namesake into “shop my corner,” Tienda Mi Esquina is a corner grocery-convenience store with an assortment of Spanish items that can be difficult to find locally, according to shop owner Kenia Lopez. As a local resident, Lopez shared how tough it is for her and her husband, Jose, to find ingredients for certain dishes, such as special flours to make tortillas; she said they have to travel to Poughkeepsie or to Brewster to pick up certain ingredients.
“I thought it would be good to have a shop where you could find the little things you need,” Lopez said. “I thought it was something that would be convenient for others.”
Yet before the couple could set up shop in Amenia, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and they were forced to wait a couple of months before they could move forward with plans to open Tienda Mi Esquina. They were able to finally open their business on Monday, June 1, after Governor Andrew Cuomo slowly began to restart the economy through a phased approach in regions throughout the state, months after he shut down nonessential businesses and schools due to COVID-19.
Now locals with a hankering for certain cuts of meat for that special cookout, or a sandwich or tamale to eat on the go or even something colorful to decorate their home, can stop by Tienda Mi Esquina to find what they’re looking for, from jalapeños, mandarinas and cactus pads to piñatas, sombreros and Spanish saints.
“I think it’s a pretty good thing and a lot of people are excited,” Lopez said.
The store’s hours of operation are Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. While Lopez and her husband are currently handling its operations, Lopez said they’re going to need more help soon, with their second child on the way.
As far as what they’re doing to keep their store sanitized during the pandemic, Lopez assured customers they’re taking care of all of the necessary cleaning and that they’re enforcing a rule about wearing masks inside the store. She added that they’re providing masks to customers who don’t have them as well as antibacterial wipes near the register. The store also offers curbside pickup for customers who aren’t comfortable going inside. Given the store’s proximity to the town’s post office, Lopez said sometimes customers will call them from outside the post office and she and her husband will meet customers outside.
Overall, Lopez observed that customers are cautious as they go about their shopping during the pandemic, adding that they often come into the store wearing gloves and carrying hand sanitizer.
Looking ahead, Lopez said she and her husband plan to focus on more groceries in the future. In terms of what she’d like to accomplish while operating their business in Amenia, she hopes the store will be stable and that they’ll be able to keep their inventory consistently stocked.
Given the stoves and sinks located in the back of the store from the space’s past life as a deli, they may possibly convert part of the space into a deli for customers to buy food to go, such as tacos and other traditional Spanish dishes.
To order curbside service from Tienda Mi Esquina, call 845-789-1038.
Volunteers were hard at work putting the finishing touches on the crucial creepy decorations for the Haunted Fortress of Stanford on Sunday, Sept. 28.
STANFORD — Greg Arent led a devoted team of volunteers on Sunday, Sept. 28, in a final push to prepare Stanford’s Haunted Fortress for opening day.
Final touches included cleaning the bottomless pit, scrubbing the pirate ship, raking the graveyard and dressing the dolls. By 2 p.m., about 20 volunteers had assembled to creepify the beloved local landmark.
Many of the volunteers have been coming back for years, Arent said, dedicating time and valuable skills to the town-owned haunted house that was constructed by the artist Peter Wing.
Arent has been building sets in his free time for forty years, but he started out volunteering with the Haunted Fortress in 2014 when his children wanted to get involved, he said. At that time he would help out one or two days a year. That grew into a leadership position over the course of a decade.
On Sunday, Arent was touring the decrepit grounds checking light bulbs, soundtracks and other set details to contribute to that perfect spooky ambience.
Nathan Miller
When it’s all said and done, the Fortress will be ready to welcome visitors starting on Friday, Oct. 3, with shows running from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sundays. The Haunted Fortress is entirely staffed by volunteers, Arent said, including the actors that don costumes to scare visitors. Anybody aged 6 and up can volunteer to act in the horror show, and families often will volunteer to take over a scene.
“I love it because every scene is different every night,” Arent said. “Sure there are going to be vampires in this scene, but this family is going to do it different from these three kids from Bard, who are going to do it different from these three middle school kids.”
The sets themselves were all built from recycled material to be as creepy and decrepit as possible, Arent said. Concrete culverts adorn the sides of a bridge over a stream, stacked vertically with a cone on top to elicit a fortress’s spires. Reclaimed lumber bolted to a fence evokes a dark and scary forest blocking any escape. A rusting tractor with a steel box welded above the seat sits on a set of rails with two cars attached to it, mimicking a wrecked train with it’s inner mechanisms exposed and blowing steam on passersby.
This year the Haunted Fortress is following a haunted circus theme featuring clowns and other carnival staples alongside the classic settings of the Fortress.
The team of volunteers is dedicated and numerous, and the Stanford Highway Department lends a hand too, Arent said, but there’s always a need for skilled labor at the local attraction.
And the group appreciates all the help they can get. “Whatever you’re interested in and capable of doing,” Arent said.
The haunted pirate ship marks the spot where groups of visitors are paired with their ghastly guides for the remainder of the Haunted Fortress tour in Stanford.Nathan Miller
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.
