Wreath-making workshops

Barbara Ellis and U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-5) made wreaths at Great Mountain Forest on Dec. 2.
Photo by Jennifer Almquist
Woodsmoke curling above the small, weathered barn and, within the faded green doors, the smell of fresh-cut pines and cider warming on the woodstove made a perfect setting for the annual wreath-making workshops at Great Mountain Forest (GMF) in Falls Village.
For decades, folks have enjoyed creating their seasonal masterpieces using evergreens, berries, and pine cones gathered from the woods nearby.
On Saturday, Dec. 2, the first pair of workshops took place at the Mountain House Barn on Canaan Mountain Road under the expert guidance of GMF staff: director of programs and operations Matt Gallagher and office manager Vicki Muni Nelson. [The second set of workshops took place Saturday, Dec. 9.]
Participants in the wreath-making ranged from two women who learned about the workshops from a friend they met at Yellowstone to a local family with two young daughters, and to everyone’s delight, U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-5) and Barbara Ellis, her friend and campaign manager at Friends of Jahana Hayes, arrived ready to join the fun.
Gallagher welcomed the 20 or so wreath makers and explained the names and origins of the various pine branches lying on the rough floor in great piles. A blaze of red winterberries in a large bucket stood next to baskets filled with pine cones gathered from various types of conifers that grow in the GMF. There were large bows of various ribbons: red, shiny gold, brocades, patterns of vintage trucks, burgundy velvet, and even some reindeer images. The staff had made educational signs with the specific names of the conifers and cones, listed with their Latin names.
Muni Nelson demonstrated the methods of wreath making, which involved metal rings, spools of green garland wire, wire cutters, hot glue guns for adhering the cones, and wired stakes for the bows. A patient teacher, Muni Nelson worked with each maker during the session. A father and mother said they were making some good family memories. After some guidance, the two girls set right to work making their own wreaths that they held up proudly at the end.
Hayes said she was happy to spend time with her friend and, yes, have some personal time, which is in short supply. After another difficult vote in Congress the day before, Hayes felt respite in the barn working with her hands. She laughed as she twisted her greens with wire and created a festive bow: “You must know that I am very competitive, even with crafts!” Later, she wrote on her social media page: “I have found another CT-05 gem! Had a fabulous afternoon at Great Mountain Forest holiday wreath making workshop. Craft, laughs, and hot apple cider-a great way to get into the holiday spirit!”
Norfolk artist Bevin Ramsey came with his petite mother, Maureen, who had traveled from Ottawa to spend time with her family and celebrate a granddaughter’s birthday. The joy between them was contagious.
Each worktable was a flurry of activity. Ellen Walsh of Winchester Center showed off her steel-toed work boots as she tackled her huge wreath.
Journalist Avice Meehan chatted with Hayes, both having recently attended former Gov. Weicker’s memorial service. Meehan had been his press secretary. Susannah Wood from Norfolk worked solo, while Norfolk tax collector Sarah Bruso shared her table with Martha Mullins.
According to The New York Times in a Dec. 25, 1988, article: “Ancient Pagan people, endowing trees with spirit, sheltered the branches of life-preserving evergreens through the frozen winter. Early Romans gave gifts of green branches at New Year’s, bestowing the wish for health and vigor upon family and friends. The evergreen wreath its circular shape an emblem of perfection, unity, and the enduring sun-later became a symbol for Christ’s suffering. Evergreens embody eternal life. . . today’s wreaths communicate a sense of joy and a desire for peace.”
As they joined in spirit with an ancient, symbolic and traditional craft, the Norfolk makers proudly hung their wreaths on the gray barn walls for the group to admire. One by one, the jolly revelers walked away through the surrounding meadow bearing their festive wreaths home to grace their doors and windows.
PINE PLAINS — The Pine Plains FFA Ag Fair brought a crowd to the high school on Church Street Saturday, Oct. 11.
Kicking off the day was the annual tractor pull, attracting a dedicated crowd that sat in bleachers and folding chairs for hours watching Allison-Chalmers, International Harvesters and John Deeres compete to pull the heaviest weights.
A large collection of food was on offer from the Pine Plains FFA and each one of the classes in the Pine Plains Central School District. The football team was selling pickles.
Stissing Mountain High School Principal Christopher Boyd enjoyed a dip in the dunk tank to raise money for the Pine Plains teachers’ union-sponsored scholarship.
Stissing Mountain High School Principal Christopher Boyd got dunked several times during his half-hour shift in the dunk tank. Proceeds from the throws benefitted the Photo by Nathan Miller
The Rev. AJ Stack, center right, blessing a chicken at the pet blessing event at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amenia on Saturday, Oct. 4.
AMENIA — After serving more than five years as Priest-in-Charge of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amenia, the Rev. AJ Stack announced Tuesday, Oct. 7, that he will resign from the church and Food of Life/Comida de Vida pantry. His last day at his current post will be Sunday, Nov. 2, the conclusion of the Feast of All Saints.
The news was shared in two emails from Stack — one to Food of Life pantry subscribers and volunteers, and another to parish members.
“I write tonight with difficult news, and I wanted you to hear it from me as soon as the Vestry and I had a chance to meet,” he wrote. “After much prayer and careful discernment, I have submitted my resignation to the Vestry as Priest-in-Charge of St. Thomas, and therefore as Executive Director of Food of Life/Comida de Vida.”
Stack provided few details about his departure. At time of publication, he had not announced his next steps but said the decision was “not sudden,” and followed careful consideration over a period of months. He will not be leaving the area or the diocese.
An announcement about his path forward and the transition process is expected soon. In the meantime, Stack said he remains “fully present” at the church, and the food pantry services will continue without interruption.
Stack expressed gratitude for the community and the growth of St. Thomas’ mission during his tenure. “Together we have welcomed new neighbors and strengthened our outreach in meaningful ways,” he said. “I trust that good work will continue.”
He joined St. Thomas in March 2020 and guided the church and community through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent interview with The News about the food pantry, Stack estimated that it serves 653 individuals from 156 households each week, highlighting a significant contribution to the community.
The announcement was met with messages of reassurance from pantry volunteers. Jolly Stewart, a Vestry member and volunteer, wrote to the community with words of reassurance following the announcement. “I have complete faith in the strength of the parish of St. Thomas,” she wrote. “Our history shows how we have done this time and again, each time becoming more than what we were before. We can, without a doubt, do this now.”
MILLERTON — Ten candidates for office in the Nov. 4 election will answer questions from Dutchess County voters at a candidate forum on Friday, Oct. 24, at the Annex at the NorthEast-Millerton Library located at 28 Century Blvd.
The forum, which is sponsored by the library, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Candidates for local and county offices will answer questions from residents in attendance or from residents who have submitted questions in advance.
“We’re excited to keep the tradition of the candidate forum going,” said Rhiannon Leo-Jameson, director of the library. “Some years we can’t always get candidates together.”
This year’s forum will include:
Rachele Grieco Cole, a Democrat, and Chris Mayville, a Republican, who both are running uncontested for the North East Town Council;
Casey McCabe, a Democrat, also running uncontested for North East Justice.
Among Dutchess County races:
Tracy MacKenzie, who is endorsed by Republicans and Democrats, is running uncontested for Dutchess County Family Court Judge;
Kara Gerry, a Democrat, and Ned McLoughlin, a Republican, are in a contest for a Dutchess County Court judgeship currently held by McLoughlin.
Chris Drago, D-19, and Tonya Pulver, a Republican, are competing to represent Dutchess County’s19th District seat currently held by Drago.
Democratic incumbent Dan Aymar-Blair and Will Truitt, the Republican chair of the county legislature, are competing for the Dutchess County Comptroller position currently held by Aymar-Blair.
Leo-Jameson is encouraging questions for the candidates to be submitted in advance, which will not be revealed to candidates beforehand. Dutchess County residents may pose questions during the forum. To submit a question on the library’s website, go to the calendar at nemillertonlibrary.org and find the link in the Oct. 24calendar entries.
The format calls for opening statements from the candidates, followed by questions from residents, and candidates will be able to stay after the forum to answer questions personally.
The residence at 35 Amenia Union Road in Sharon was damaged after being struck by the Jeep Grand Cherokee around 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11.
SHARON, Conn. — Emergency crews were called Saturday, Oct. 11, to Amenia Union Road in Sharon for a report of a vehicle into a building with entrapment.
Connecticut State Police reported Charles Teti, 62, was driving his Jeep Grand Cherokee northbound on Amenia Union Road when, for an unknown reason, the vehicle veered across the southbound land and exited the roadway where it struck a tree and home. Airbags deployed.
Teti and front seat passenger Aidan Cassidy, 63, sustained serious injuries. Teti was airlifted to Hartford Hospital and Cassidy was transported by ambulance to Sharon Hospital for treatment.
Back seat passenger Shea Cassidy-Teti, 17, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on scene. Cassidy-Teti was a senior at Kent School. He played on the football and tennis teams.
The residence that was struck is located at 35 Amenia Union Road.
The case remains under open investigation. Witnesses are asked to contact Trooper Lukas Gryniuk at Troop B 860-626-1821.