The Lost Art of Innocent Summer Fun

Even the most modern families can enjoy watching old- fashioned family classics like “That Darn Cat” from 1965. Image from IMDB
Every August for 19 summers, my family and I would pack up my grandparents’ car and embark on our annual family vacation to Rhode Island.
It’s been almost seven years since our last trip together, but I can still picture our favorite beaches, summer rentals, traditions and routines as if we’d never left the beach.
We lived for the days spent body-surfing, boogie-boarding and walking barefoot down the jetty. There was enough magic in those family vacations to make even the cloudiest days worth remembering.
On those days when the rain canceled our beach plans, you could find my brother and I trying to best our grandmother in Dogopoly (Monopoly with a dog theme) or defeat our mother in Kings in the Corner (a futile effort).
Before there were streaming services or even Netflix DVDs, our mom would take us to the video rental store down the road and pick out a few classics to keep us entertained. From the titles we watched and rewatched over countless summers, here are a few that today’s families might enjoy watching together.
“That Darn Cat!”
It’s been years since I last saw “That Darn Cat!” and I’ve been keeping the memory alive by singing the opening theme whenever I catch our cat, Eska, patrolling the house.
Anyone living in a small town might know an animal like DC (short for Darn Cat), the four-pawed protagonist of this 1965 classic — the kind of creature that goes sauntering around town, swiping food and finding adventure in unexpected places.
For DC, adventure strikes when he follows a bank robber home and finds that he and his partner-in-crime are holding a bank employee hostage. Inscribing a message on the back of her wristwatch, the hostage slips the watch around DC’s neck in place of his collar and sends him out into the world.
DC returns home to his curious owner, Patti (played to perfection by the iconic Hayley Mills), setting in motion a wily, watch-able investigation.
It’s the kind of feel-good family film that’s difficult to recreate these days, between the antics of an acclaimed cast (including Dean Jones and Roddy McDowell) and the way DC leads (and frequently derails) the investigation.
Still, as is sung in the film’s theme song, the cat’s “been paid every accolade / And he’s earned all his acclaim.”
“That Darn Cat!” is currently available for viewing on Disney+.
“No Deposit, No Return”
Another Rhode Island favorite that combined comedy and crime was the 1976 film “No Deposit, No Return,” starring Darren McGavin (best known as the “award” winning father in “A Christmas Story”), Don Knotts and David Niven.
Expecting to be picked up from school for Easter vacation by their mother, siblings Tracy and Jay are unenthusiastic when they hear they’ll be spending their vacation with their billionaire grandfather, who’s equally displeased to have to watch them.
At the same airport where the siblings are due to meet their grandfather’s butler, safecrackers Duke and Bert are trying to crack the airport safe. In their escape from the airport, they end up in the same taxi as Tracy and Jay, who’ve escaped with plans to reconnect with their mother.
Thinking they could benefit from one another, the children hatch a plan to write a ransom note to their grandfather with hopes of receiving enough money to allow them to fly to their mother in Hong Kong and to help the safecrackers pay off a gangster. Add a car chase, some judo and a pet skunk named Duster and you’ve got a crime comedy that’ll leave everyone laughing.
“No Deposit, No Return” is available to rent through Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Those of us old enough, we remember our parents and our siblings asking questions about the world we lived in. “Where is Anzio and Normandy?” “Where is Inchon?” “Where is Cambodia and what’s the Gulf of Tonkin?” And “Kuwait? What’s Kuwait?” “Kabul? Where is that?” Sadly, you will be asking these questions again all too soon.
American youth, woefully undereducated, were always being sent “over there” to fight battles vital for our national interests and security. Parents desperately try to find out how far away they were going to be, what were the strange lands, strange peoples, strange customs they were going to encounter. And if all this is about to happen again, US education is still lacking in every possible geographic way.
In 1890-1910 the disparity between the worker and the very rich in all industrial societies including America was desperately evident. Natural resources (metals, oil, power, engineering) outstripped social balancing, allowing a handful to become so wealthy they make today’s billionaires look like paupers. Meanwhile, new inventions across the world as a result of the industrial revolution made those very wealthy here and especially in Europe, to want to keep their power by expanding control and territory. Countries fought such unopposed expansion until, finally, they became embroiled in an all-out war — the first world war in 1914 (WWI) — to stop the expansion of these powers. American elites and the most wealthy, desperate not to chose sides and lose their own positions of power and wealth, kept us out of the conflict until 1917 when American interests across the globe were threatened and we joined in to stop the Kaiser and his allies. That war was fought in 17 countries in Europe (can you name any of them?), 12 countries in Asia, 26 in Africa, and 12 in the Pacific basin. WWI killed about 40,000,000 people — about half of all the people in the USA at the time.
Just 20 years later, after the Great Depression, new inventions and manufacturing capabilities allowed nations to seek to return to strength through dominance — especially seeking to control oil, resources, and labor. The 3rd Reich started by building the industrial base, annexing neighbors, changing the social norms and birthright of its citizens to favor those in support of its moral codes. Japan invaded Korea and China. Soon, joined by other nations also wanting dominance over their neighbors, they were joined by Italy, and Russia and kicked off WWII. America, once again to protect the financial elite, stayed out of WWII for two years until Japan’s direct attack on our protectorate of Hawaii (not yet a state). In the end, across the globe, on every continent, in almost every country, millions perished, were tortured, executed, and died in battle. 70,000,000 to 85,000,000 people were killed — more than half of all the people in the USA at the time.
Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq — all followed since 1945. Why? Study history, but it usually boils down to powerful cabals wanting more.
Now, once again, there are potentates (domestic and faoreign) and several governments that seek superiority over their fellow citizens, are re-writing the moral codes of civilization, and are seeking to protect the wealth and prestige of the most wealthy. This time around it may be the rest of the world against a new cabal of financially elite rulers, desperate for power, desperate to secure dominance over people across the globe. And that battle, which will come – history always repeats – will take place in locations across the globe your children may never have been aware of, and you may find yourself asking, “Where is Panama? Where is Sandy Cay? Where is Bahrain? Where is Suriname and Paraguay? Where is Heimaey? What is Gaza? Why are our kids fighting there?”
Go get a globe and teach yourself and your kids before it is too late, to really know what is going on and where. Their lives are at stake.
Peter Riva, a former resident of Amenia Union, New York, now lives in Gila, New Mexico.
An adult lanternfly and nymphs in the final stage just before entering adulthood.
The Spotted Lanternfly, an insect native to Asia and first found in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014, has made its way into northeast Dutchess County, New York, and the Northwest Corner of Connecticut.
Brent Boscarino, Coordinator of the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management, explained that the lanternfly is a nuisance pest, but it’s not quite dangerous enough to trees and plants to kill them.
“Response is going to vary depending on where it is discovered,” Boscsarino said. He said the insects don’t pose a threat to humans or even that large of a threat to local trees and plants except for vineyards and timber lots.
Spotted Lanternflies will breed and congregate in massive groups in a tree or a collection of vines, feeding on the plants leaves and stems with special mouths that pierce and suck out the insides. During this process the insects secrete a sticky substance known as honeydew. The added moisture can propagate sooty mold on the bark of trees and plants.
But the insect is rarely solely responsible for killing its host plants, Boscarino said, and if they’re out of sight there’s no need to go search out the bug to eradicate it. Instead, focus on areas where large populations of the bug might be causing a nuisance, like in trees nearby to regular gathering areas.
“If you’ve got a big canopy tree that hangs over your deck or a pool or a place where you congregate with your family, that is the area to focus on,” Boscarino said.
Suggested management strategies focus on trapping the insect in its nymph stage, when it’s flightless and continually falls off and climbs back up the trunk of its host tree.
Sticky traps can be used, but additional measures should be used to prevent mammals and birds from becoming stuck to the trap, according to information published by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. CAES also has information about funnel-style traps, where a mesh is wrapped around the trunk of the tree to route the bugs through a funnel into a container.
Spotted Lanternflies prefer to congregate in the invasive Tree of Heaven, and removing that tree from property can go a long way in discouraging the insects, according to the CAES.
Legal Notice
Brevi Properties LLC
Brevi Properties LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 8/27/2025. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 16 Peaceable Way Dover Plains, NY 12522. Purpose: Real estate management. Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law.
10-09-25
10-16-25
10-23-25
10-30-25
11-06-25
11-13-25
Change of Meeting Date
Please take notice the regularly scheduled Amenia Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for 11/17/25 has been rescheduled to 11/3/2025 at 6:00pm.
10-16-25
Legal Notice
Silent Mind Apparel, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/09/2025. Office location: Dutchess County, NY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: P.O. Box 593. Purpose: any lawful act.
10-02-25
10-09-25
10-16-25
10-23-25
10-30-25
11-06-25
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF AMENIA
SNOW REMOVAL BIDS
PERIOD 11/6/2025 - 4/30/2026
NOTICE is hereby given that sealed bids for Town of Amenia Side Walk Snow Removal will be received until Noon on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Town Clerk’s Office, Town of Amenia, Amenia Town Hall, 4988 Route 22, Amenia, NY 12501 opened and read at the Amenia Town Hall, 4988 Route 22 on Monday November 3, 2025 at 1:00pm.
Detailed specifications may be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, by calling (845) 373-8860 Ext. 125 or by emailing townclerk@ameniany.gov . All bids must have proof of insurance for liability and property damage in addition to proof of Worker’s Compensation coverage. All bids must also be accompanied by a notarized non collusive statement and corporate bidders must file a corporate resolution with a corporate seal. All envelopes must be clearly marked “Snow Removal Bid 11/6/2025 to 4/30/2026”.
The Amenia Town Board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Bids will be awarded at the scheduled Town Board meeting on November 6, 2025.
Dawn Marie Klingner
Amenia Town Clerk
10-16-25
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF AMENIA
SNOW REMOVAL BIDS
PERIOD 11/6/2025 - 4/30/2026
NOTICE is hereby given that sealed bids for Town of Amenia Wassaic Trail Snow Removal will be received until Noon on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Town Clerk’s Office, Town of Amenia, Amenia Town Hall, 4988 Route 22, Amenia, NY 12501 opened and read at the Amenia Town Hall, 4988 Route 22 on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 1:00pm.
Detailed specifications may be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, by calling (845) 373-8860 Ext. 125 or by emailing townclerk@ameniany.gov. All bids must have proof of insurance for liability and property damage in addition to proof of Worker’s Compensation coverage. All bids must also be accompanied by a notarized non collusive statement and corporate bidders must file a corporate resolution with a corporate seal. All envelopes must be clearly marked “Snow Removal Bid for Wassaic Trail 11/6/2025 to 4/30/2026”.
The Amenia Town Board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Bids will be awarded at the scheduled Town Board meeting on November 6, 2025.
Dawn Marie Klingner
Amenia Town Clerk
10-16-25
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
NAILED BY ALYSSIA LLC has been formed as a limited liability company (LLC) located in Dutchess County, New York by filing Articles of Organization with the New York Secretary of State (NYSS) on July 15, 2025. Alyssia Morton Beliveau is designated as registered agent for the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Alyssia Morton Beliveau will be mailed any process against it served to 579 Carpenter Hill Road, Pine Plains, NY 12567. The purpose is to engage in any lawful business practice.
09-25-25
10-02-25
10-09-25
10-16-25
10-23-25
10-30-25
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING ON 2026 BUDGET
The Wassaic Fire District shall hold a public hearing for the purpose of discussing its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget on October 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., at the Wassaic Fire House, 27 Firehouse Road, Town of Amenia, New York. Copies of the proposed budget are available for inspection at the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Amenia and by contacting the secretary at 845-705-8304.
Copies of the proposed budget will also be available for inspection at the aforesaid public hearing.
Pamela Butts
Secretary
Wassaic Fire District
10-16-25
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Planning Board of the Town of North East on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the North East Town Hall, 19 N. Maple Ave., Millerton, NY at 7:30 PM or as soon thereafter as possible on the application of Perotti Homestead Farm LLC for a Minor Subdivision on Tax Parcel #7069-00-953630 located at 5-15 Homestead Farm Lane, Millerton, NY in the A5A Zoning District of the Town of North East.
The above application is open for inspection at the Town Hall or via email. Please request a copy by emailing the Planning Board office at pb@townofnortheastny.govor calling 518-789-3300, Ext. 608.
Persons wishing to appear at such hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative. Communications in writing relating thereto may be filed with the Board at such hearing. Dated: October 9, 2025.
Dale Culver
Chairman,
Planning Board
10-16-25
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Planning Board of the Town of North East on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the North East Town Hall, 19 N. Maple Ave., Millerton, NY at 7:30 PM or as soon thereafter as possible on the application of Silver Mountain Hay LLC for a Minor Subdivision on Tax Parcel #7170-00-062510 located at 437 McGhee Hill Road, Millerton, NY in the A5A Zoning District of the Town of North East.
The above application is open for inspection at the Town Hall or via email. Please request a copy by emailing the Planning Board office at pb@townofnortheastny.gov or calling 518-789-3300, Ext. 608.
Persons wishing to appear at such hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative. Communications in writing relating thereto may be filed with the Board at such hearing. Dated: October 9, 2025.
Dale Culver
Chairman,
Planning Board
10-16-25
Notice of Submission of Question to Voters of the Town of Amenia at the next General Election
Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to NYS Education Law §259(1)(13), and in accordance with the provision of the N.Y.S. Election Law, the following question will be submitted to the qualified voters of the Town of Amenia at the General Election to be held on the 4th day of November, 2025:
“Shall the annual contribution of the Town of Amenia for the operating budget of the Amenia Free Library be increased by Twenty Thousand ($20,000) Dollars to the sum of Two Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand ($265,000) Dollars annually?”
Dawn Marie Klingner
Town Clerk,
Town of Amenia
10-09-25
10-16-25
PUBLIC NOTICE
Transportation providers and other interested parties are hereby notified that the North East Community Center, Inc. at 51 South Center Street, P.O. Box 35, Millerton, NY, 12546, is applying for a federal grant of up to $500,000, under Section 5310 of Chapter 53 of Title 49, United States Code, for transportation services within the Towns of Amenia, North East, Dover, Pine Plains, Stanford, and Washington to meet the needs of elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities.
The purpose of this notice is to invite private, for-profit bus, taxi, or ambulette operators and other interested parties to participate in the development of the proposed grant project and in the provision of enhanced transportation services to elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities.
Please contact Christine Sergent, NECC Executive Director, at (518) 789-4259, within 15 calendar days of this public notice to request a copy of the project proposed. Comments on proposed projects must be submitted to Christine Sergent within 15 calendar days after receipt of the proposed project information.
Kim Henrichs
Grants and
Contracts Director
10-16-25
Kitchen Help Wanted: two years experience preferred. KPG Kitchen and Bar, located in Kent, CT. Please call for interview 860-488-6755.
Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.
SNOW PLOWING: Be Ready! Local. Sharon/Millerton/Lakeville area. Call 518-567-8277.
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.