The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News presented the 2025 Estabrook Community Leadership Award to Bunny Williams on Nov. 22 at the Town Grove in Lakeville.
The award, named for longtime Lakeville Journal and Millerton News owners Robert and Mary Lou Estabrook, honors individuals who exemplify community spirit and leadership. This year’s presentation took place during the newspapers’ second annual Jubilee.
Addressing more than 100 attendees, Brian Ross, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, underscored why Williams was chosen. “Bunny has always believed, as we do at our newspapers, that community matters, and that local matters,” he said.
Williams has spent decades bolstering local organizations. She helped launch Trade Secrets 25 years ago, turning it into a major fundraiser for Project Sage, the region’s domestic violence agency. She has hosted events for local libraries, supported the Falls Village Daycare Center and Music Mountain, and founded The Great County Mutt Show to benefit The Little Guild.
Board Chair Dan Dwyer urged attendees to follow Williams’ example. “Get informed, stay informed and get involved in your community to make it a little better than it was – that’s what Bunny has done,” he said.
In her tribute, Betsy Smith — a close friend of Williams and chair of the Jubilee — called the honoree honest, energetic and warm. “She’s the essence of being civic minded,” Smith said. “I could not be prouder to be in her orbit of friendship, warmth, commitment, and making our community a better place.”
Michael Trapp, left, and Hillary Cooper
Ross presented Williams with the award, which she immediately dedicated back to the community.
“What I learned is that the best part of this community – as beautiful as it is – is the people. I may have an idea, but it’s just an idea,” Williams said. “It is the effort and the commitment and the generosity of people who step up to the plate to make these events happen and I’ve never seen anything like it.”
James Clark, CEO/Publisher of The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News
Publisher James Clark congratulated Williams before highlighting the vital role of local journalism. “When you read The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News, you become more informed about what’s happening in your communities – and more connected to your community,” he said, adding his thanks to the attendees whose support helps the newspapers thrive.
John Coston, center, recently retired executive editor of The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News
Wassaic Project acquired the property in 2024, when the organization was approached by the property owners. “It wasn’t master planned at all,” said Jeff Barnett-Winsby, who co-founded Wassaic Project in 2008. “But our town and our county have been able to support us, and we haven’t embarrassed them.”
The chapel has quickly been folded into the organization’s larger programming plans. Coming up in 2026, Newburgh-based artist Liz Nielsen and her unique photograms will be the first visual artist to have a long-term installation at the chapel.
Listeners enjoy the acoustics inside Gridley Chapel, Wassaic Project’s latest addition to its campus.Photo by Graham Corrigan
Barnett-Winsby, now the organization’s co-executive director, said they have big ambitions to turn the space into a year-round music and performance venue — once it’s insulated. “That’s essential for us,” said Barnett-Winsby. “For years, it felt like every other festival was a monsoon situation.”
Preserving the chapel’s historic architecture is also a priority. “We’re trying to respectfully utilize these buildings, and also preserve them,” Barnett-Winsby continued.
Meanwhile, the summer exhibit, called “Because, now is the time of monsters,” was thronged with crowds that packed into the nooks and crannies of the Maxon Mills space and spilled out onto the lawn. The exhibit took place across the area.
Curated by Jeff Barnett-Winsby, Bowie Zunino, Eve Biddle and Will Hutnick, the show is aptly described by the organization as “something between a vision and a fever dream.” Climbing through the mill’s seven levels, the viewer is transported to worlds wrought from paint, plaster, paper, ceramic, metal, and more. It is both dreamlike and nightmarish, comforting and uncanny.
These projects are made possible in part by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, which recently approved a grant application sought by the Wassaic Project.
Also returning is Wassaic Project’s Art Nest, an all-ages classroom led by Special Projects Manager Emi Night. On opening weekend, a group of young art lovers were engrossed in projects based on two of the exhibition’s artists: felt tapestries in the style of Saul Chernick, and collaborative sculptures inspired by Samuelle Green. The art nest is open every Saturday from 12-5.
The larger Wassaic Project is open Thursday-Sunday from 12-5. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10.
The seventh floor of Wassaic Project was transformed by Clarissa Pezone and her surreal ceramics. Photo by Graham Corrigan
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A ceremonial firing party honored fallen soldiers at Millerton’s American Legion on Route 44 on Monday, May 25. Legion representatives originally planned a parade down Millerton’s Main Street and a ceremony at the Veterans Park monument in front of the Methodist Church, but rain forced the events inside at American Legion Post 178.
Check out photos from the ceremonies on Monday, May 25:
Photo by Nathan Miller
A group of veterans and their loved ones observes a moment of silence inside American Legion Post 178 on Route 44 in Millerton.
Photo by Leila Hawken
VFW Post 5444 Commander Nick Woodard opens Amenia’s Memorial Day ceremony at Amenia Town Hall on Monday, May 25. The traditional ceremony, featuring remarks from local officials and religious leaders, was held inside the Route 22 building due to the threat of rain.
Photo by Natalia Zukerman
Onlookers of all ages crowd the sidewalks along Franklin Avenue in Millbrook on Monday, May 25, for the village’s annual Memorial Day parade. Festivities included a parade, a military flyover and a period of reflection at Millbrook’s Tribute Gardens.
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