Cows, horses die in fire; more fires; the fish lady
From the Archives: Thursday, April 24, 2025
From the Archives: Thursday, April 24, 2025
The following excerpts from The Millerton News were compiled by Kathleen Spahn and Rhiannon Leo-Jameson of the North East-Millerton Library.
‘Midnight Fire Destroys Barn On McGhee Farm; Is Believed Incendiary...Fifteen Head Of Cattle. Team Of Horses. Perish In Flames’; A large barn on the James McGhee farm on Silver Mountain was completely destroyed by a midnight fire of mysterious origin last Wednesday with a loss roughly estimated at between $11.000 and $12.000. Fifteen head of grade cattle and a valuable team of horses perished in the blaze, and an automobile and farm equipment stored in the building was also burned. The loss was partially covered by insurance.
‘Paramount Theatre To Be Re-opened. Moving Picture House Taken Over By Robert A. Lane’; The Paramount Theatre in Millerton has been taken over by Robert A. Lane and will be re-opened in the near future, it was learned early this week. Early showing of all feature pictures produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, United Artists, R. K. O. and Columbia studios are promised under the new management with three or four changes in presentations each week during the summer season.
‘About Millerton’; N. Collins Smith, of Amenia Union, expects to begin the erection of a camp at Indian Lake within a few days on the site recently purchased from the Loope Realty Corporation. Workmen completed the grading of a roadway to the property from the state road last week.
Maynard Cook, Orville Velley and Floyd Dow motored to New York City Sunday and saw the world’s champion New York Giants suffer their first defeat of the 1934 season at the hands of the Boston Braves.
‘Commemorative Items Offered For Centennial’; The Millerton Centennial Committee is offering for sale a commemorative mug, plate and tile. These items will sell for $5, $2, and $2 respectively.
Each item is ceramic and will depict a picture of the Town Clock and a suitable inscription. The mug will be offered as a collector’s item since only 1000 copies will be made. The plate and tile will be open stock. They will be supplied by Sheffield Pottery, Sheffield, Mass.
‘Wave Of Fear Spreads After 2 Barns Burn’; Fire razed 2 dairy barns last week sending a wave of fear throughout the Dutchess County Farm area. In the 24 hour period of Thursday, April 17, Morgan Culver of Stanford and Edwin Pilch of Pine Plains watched their dairy barns burn to the foundations.
As news of the second fire spread throughout the communities farmers became fearful of the safety of their own barns and livestock. The William George farm on Route 82 in Pine Plains arranged to have a dog loose in the barn area to alarm them of trespassers. Other farmers put their cows out of the barn after the evening milking.
‘Fish Lady is Back’;The “Fish Lady” is back! Beginning Saturday, April 29, you can purchase Joan’s (the Fish Lady) vacuum sealed, preweighed fish at Paley’s Market in Sharon. Fresh fish will be delivered to Paley’s Thursday afternoons or Friday mornings. The spring hours at Paley’s are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Silamar Farm, on Route 44 in Millerton, is open for the spring season with a selection of perennials and pansies. According to Julie Schroeder, the spring produce is just beginning to pop up in the fields.
Peggy McEnroe, owner of The Millerton Deli, has created some new, yummy cookies. Customers refer to them as “those cream-filled pecan things,” and “the chocolate ones with the cream in the center.” Considering how tasty the cookies are, they deserve names. If you have a suggestion, jot it down on a piece of a paper and pass it along to Peg. Be sure to include your name and telephone number. If your suggestion is chosen, Peg will give you a pound of those now-nameless yummy cookies.
‘Today’s Capital Project Referendum: Mood is Cautious as Voters Head to Webutuck Polls’; WEBUTUCK — In what could be a watershed moment in Webutuck history, voters head to the polls today to weigh in on whether the district should be allowed to proceed with a $20-million capital improvement project.
And with the exception of some students, most observers were guarded in their predictions.
“I am cautiously optimistic,” said School Board President Joe Larocca, who had also been a strong proponent of the last two failed capital projects.
Mr. Larocca declined to speculate on whether the board would consider a maintenance-only package if today’s referendum fails.
“I don’t even want to think about that,” he added.
Town of Washington resident Dick Krivacs, who has grandchildren in the district and has been a frequent visitor to board meetings, was also hopeful.
“I certainly hope so,” he replied when asked for a prediction. “I’d like to see it pass.”
Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.
AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.
“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.
“Megan’s job is not an easy one,” Blackman said, honoring Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent who has served the town for 20 years.
Also among those honored was Town Clerk Dawn Marie Klingner for 20 years of service as Court Clerk.
Maureen Moore, Court Clerk, was also honored in absentia for her 20 years of town service.
Village of Millerton Police Recruit Hannah Dworkin, left, is officially sworn in by Town Clerk Lisa Cope.
MILLERTON — For Hannah Dworkin, 25, of East Fishkill, joining the police force was more than a career choice. It was a family tradition.
Raised among military veterans and law enforcement officers, Dworkin is the daughter of Millbrook Police Chief Keith Dworkin and has two brothers who also serve as police officers. Even her maternal grandfather served behind the badge.
“I’m proud to join the family business,” Dworkin said at her swearing-in ceremony on Monday, June 23, at the Village of Millerton Police Department. “I am fortunate to have a family full of strong role models. They taught me the importance of loyalty, family values and taking pride in your work.”
Dworkin’s commitment to hard work is evident. After high school, Dworkin took a job at Stewart’s, where she spent seven years rising through the ranks to become a supervisor. During that time, she also studied criminal justice at Dutchess Community College, earning college credits and strengthening her interest in a law enforcement career.
“I’ve always known I wanted to work in law enforcement,” she said. “As a kid, I was fascinated by forensics, but lately I’ve become more interested in the community side of the job.”
Hannah added that she is interested in criminal behavior and the psychology behind it. She added, “I think it’s fascinating to understand how people think and learn what drives them to make certain choices … not just criminally, but in life in general. It’s interesting how the way someone was raised can shape how they live their life.”
Hannah said she is especially excited about what lies ahead in Millerton. “Chief Olenik has a lot of great ideas and knows exactly where he wants to take the department. I think that’s really important,” she said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the community and the people I’ll serve.”
Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik shared her enthusiasm. “We’re so looking forward to having her here,” he said. “She’s going to be fantastic with community relations.”
Dworkin will fill the position vacated by Officer Julia Phillips, who recently resigned to spend more time with her family. “She was a great officer,” said Chief Olenik at a recent Village Board meeting, where Dworkin’s candidacy was introduced and approved unanimously.
Hannah’s parents looked on proudly at the swearing-in ceremony. Her mother, Mary Dworkin, grew emotional. “Hannah has looked up to her brothers and her dad for so long, and it’s nice to see things come full circle,” she said. “This is something she’s really wanted, and we’re thrilled she’s following in her family’s footsteps.”
Her father agreed. “This is something she’s worked hard for,” said Millbrook Police Chief Keith Dworkin. “To see her achieve that goal — it’s fantastic. We’re very proud.”
In August, Dworkin will begin a five-month training and certificate program at SUNY Ulster in Kingston, which includes all state-required police academy components, such as physical training and academic coursework. Chief Olenik says she will begin working with the Millerton department upon completing the program.
In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.
AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.
A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.
As with the first historic market installation at the Old Amenia Burying Ground, held in April, Amenia Union Cemetery graves of Revolutionary War veterans had been marked with American flags in advance.
Jim Middlebrook, representing the Columbia Mid-Hudson chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, attended along with other members of his chapter. Speaking before the unveiling, Middlebrook said that the historic marker project had begun in August 2024, and included a detailed process to certify the names on the graves.
Middlebrook described the work of the William C. Pomeroy Foundation of Syracuse whose mission is to promote “pride of place” by providing grants in support of installing historic markers and plaques nationwide to honor patriots for their service. Active now in seven or eight states, Middlebrook said, the foundation will soon add Connecticut and Massachusetts to the list.
The new Amenia Union marker honors “at least five veterans of the American Revolution interred between 1787 and 1810,” although Town Historian Betsy Strauss lists six veterans buried in the cemetery. The sixth, Gerhard Winegar, whose burial had been in 1781 could not fully satisfy the certification standards.
Strauss provided the following listing of six names:
Col. Colbe Chamberlain, 1739-1796
Capt. William Chamberlain, 1745-1810
Lieut. Samuel Snyder, 1712-1808
Gerhard Winegar, 1750-1781
Ensign Henry Winegar, 1723-1787
Capt. William Young, 1747-1806
Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.
MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.
Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.
“The Millerton Street Fair will celebrate everything we love about this community — its spirit, its dedication to service and its creative energy,” said James Clark, publisher and CEO of The Millerton News.
Local nonprofits will showcase their work and impact, including Climate Smart Millerton, Eddie Collins Memorial Park, North East Historical Society, Townscape, Tri-Corner FEED, Village of Millerton, and the Webutuck Elementary School.Participating businesses include Bes, Little Red Bird Studio, NBT, The Elephant’s Tusk, and many more.Local retail and dining establishments will be open with special promotions. NECC’s Farmer’s Market will run during the event.
Among the planned festivities are live music from John Stey and the Resilience Brass Band, performances from Bee Bee the Clown, face painting by students from Webutuck High School, and a community-wide scavenger hunt for kids.Other kids’ activities include egg and spoon races, and a “touch-a-truck” open house at the firehouse.The Irondale Schoolhouse will be hosting a special exhibit, and the North East-Millerton Library will be offering signups for the Summer Reading Program, a science show from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., lawn games, and a cookie cook-off.
For more information, go to millertonnews.com/street-fair.