Colors to dye for at library tie-dying workshop

Colors to dye for at library tie-dying workshop

Instruction at the tie-dying workshop at the Amenia Free Library on Saturday, June 22 was provided by Beth Hale of the library staff, at right, who assisted with the process where needed. The event marked her last day as a member of the staff. Assisting with the event was newly hired program assistant Megan Marshall, at left, completing her first week on the job. She will be working with program assistant Hope Bruzzi on future library events.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Despite the heat, enthusiasts of all ages came to the Amenia Free Library to attend a tie-dying workshop on Saturday, June 22. The event was held on the patio to allow the youngest participants the creative freedom they might need when wielding the colors.

This was not the first such fabric-dying workshop. Others had proven popular and were worthy of repeating, explained workshop leader Beth Hale, noting that it would be her last day on the job.

“It ‘s been a great job, a great place to be. I am going to miss it,” Hale said.

The planning for the event was apparent, with an organized array of free white cotton tee shirts provided in all sizes from the smallest for children up to the adult sizes. And there were book bags, backpacks, and scrunchie hair elastics, all freely available for the dying process.

Diligently working on their colorful creations at the Amenia Free Library on Saturday, June 22 were, left to right, Ian Pelico, 6; Wilmer Pelico, 4; and Ashley Dota, 8, in foreground.Leila Hawken

The dye chosen for the occasion was Basic Tulip brand, Hale noted. There were plenty of colors to choose from. The youngest children were not shy about determining that they would need to combine several colors for their envisioned rainbow effect. Once the dying was done, the still-tied wet items were dropped into baggies for the trip home.

Also participating in the event was newly hired program assistant Megan Marshall of Stanfordville, who will work alongside program assistant Hope Bruzzi on a variety of future programs to be sponsored by the library. Marshall had begun her duties on Tuesday, June 18.

“I’m really excited to work with everyone,” Marshall said, praising the library staff. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art and Creative Writing, and a Master’s in Library Science. She said that she does considerable work in arts and crafts, painting, mixed media, and pottery. And she has experience in volunteering to work with a range of age groups.

Marshall said that she is enjoying connecting with the community.

“It’s really nice to talk with everyone when they come into the library,” she added.

Beth Hale demonstrated how to bind a tee shirt to prepare it for the next steps.Leila Hawken

Latest News

Troutbeck to host ‘rewilding’ talk with environmental leaders

AMENIA — The concept of “rewilding” the environment will be the focus of a discussion at Troutbeck in Amenia on Saturday, Nov. 8, featuring environmentalist Ben Goldsmith and Dr. Joshua R. Ginsberg, president of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. The program begins at 3 p.m.

Admission is free, but registration is requested. Troutbeck encourages attendees to arrive early for lunch or stay afterward for dinner in its dining room.

Keep ReadingShow less
Route 44 to be reduced to one lane of traffic for water leak repair in Millerton

Water from the damaged pipe has bubbled up to the surface of Route 44 near Park Avenue in Millerton on Monday, Nov. 3. Water department crews are expected to repair the leak between 5 p.m. and midnight.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — Drivers passing through Millerton should expect delays on Main Street/Route 44 around Park Avenue as a Water Department crew works to repair a leak under the westbound lane.

Interim Superintendent of Public Works Joe Olenik said the work will begin around 5 p.m. tonight, Nov. 3, and he expects repairs to be finished by midnight. “There’s concrete under that, so it’s going to take a little longer,” Olenik said, pointing to a picture of the puddle that has accumulated on Route 44 because of the leak. “It’s not just blacktop and dirt.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Demolition of Millerton’s fire-damaged highway and water building begins

Demolition crews from BELFOR Property Restoration began demolishing the fire-ravaged Water and Highway Department building in the Village of Millerton on Monday, Oct. 27

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The long-awaited demolition of Millerton’s Highway and Water Department building began Monday, Oct. 27, marking a major milestone in the village’s recovery from the February fire that destroyed the facility.

The demolition, handled by BELFOR Property Restoration, is now underway. Eddie Collins Park, located next to the site, remains open to the public, though visitors are asked to steer clear of the demolition area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Keane Stud developers present environmental impact analysis

A preliminary draft of an impact analysis study for a Keane Stud subdivision application drew residents to a Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Photo by leila Hawken

AMENIA — Residents had the opportunity on Wednesday, Oct. 22, to weigh in on the proposed Keane Stud subdivision, a plan that would divide roughly 605 acres into 27 mostly residential lots, during a meeting of the Amenia Planning Board.

The session was part of the State Environmental Quality Review Act process, following the board’s decision that a Draft Environmental Impact Statement should be prepared to evaluate potential environmental and scenic impacts from the project.

Keep ReadingShow less