Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Dine Out for History returns with more

Dine Out for History returns with more

Borden Condensed Milk Co. plant by the Harlem Railroad line on North Center Street in Millerton in the early 20th century.

Photo courtesy North East Historical Society

MILLERTON — The North East Historical Society’s popular Dine Out for History series returns this month with two additional dining establishments participating this year, bringing the total to five.

On select dates from Sunday, Jan. 21, through Monday, March 11, participating Millerton restaurants will host their own Dine Out for History nights, during which 10% of the proceeds from all patrons on those nights will be donated to the historical society to support its research, digitize its collection and make historic content more available to the public, particularly educators.

“This collaboration is so important to the historical society because it helps people understand the importance of preserving the region’s past,” said Edward Downey, president of the North East Historical Society. “And just as critical, this also benefits local restaurants at a time of the year when business can be slow. Our supporters have been terrific in the past about turning out for these special nights, and we hope they do the same this year.”

Diners can go whenever they want at dinnertime on the designated nights, but they are encouraged to mention Dine Out for History to the hosting restaurant.

The historical society will launch the series at The Millerton Inn, 53 Main St, on Sunday, Jan. 21. An optional brief presentation on the history of farming in the region will be at 5:30 p.m. for those who want to come early. It will be offered with a glass of wine, and guests can enjoy their dinners at the inn after that. Dinner reservations are requested.

The other participating restaurants are the Oakhurst Diner, 19 Main St., on Sunday, Feb. 4; Willa, 52 Main St., on Thursday, Feb. 15 (reservations requested); Round III, 5523 Route 22, on Monday, Feb. 26; and the Golden Wok, Railroad Plaza, 2 Main St., on Monday, March 11 (takeout only). To get a reminder, sign up for the North East Historical Society newsletter by contacting Ed Downey at eddowney12@gmail.com

The North East Historical Society is on the second floor of the NorthEast-Millerton Library, 75 Main St. Its hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays or by appointment. For more information, contact Ed Downey at eddowney12@gmail.com

Meg Downey

Latest News

Lelah M. Somers

Lelah M. Somers

DOVER PLAINS — Lelah M. Somers, 97, a longtime Dover Plains, New York, resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck, New York. Lelah was born on July 3, 1929, in Pawling, New York, to the late Byron and Lelah (Watts) Brill. Lelah grew up in Pawling and on Nov. 22, 1946, in Pleasant Valley, New York, she married James F. Somers, Sr. Mr. Somers passed away on Sept. 3, 1970. Lelah worked for New York State as a therapy aide for thirty-years and as a senior companion for New York State for thirty-two-years, with specific care provided to the mentally disabled.

She enjoyed taking care of the mentally disabled, was a wonderful mother to her four children, always putting her family first. She is survived by her son, James F. Somers, Jr. and his wife Donna of Dover Plains; two daughters, Doreen Monica of Wingdale, and Frances “Fran” Horton of Dover Plains, who was also her caregiver for many years; seven grandchildren, Debbie, Margie, Leah, Stephanie, Deirdra, Benji and Jimmy and several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, and her step-son, Kenny Elliott. In addition to her parents and husband, Lelah was predeceased by her daughter and son-in-law, Carol “DeeDee” Maile and Gil Maile, her son-in-law, Stephen Monica, and her son-in-law, Benny Horton as well as her companion of over forty-years, Andrew “Mac” McAlravey and her siblings, Ferris Brill, Eleanor Barryann, Richard Brill, William Brill and Barney Brill.

Keep ReadingShow less

The Millerton News - October 15, 2026

The Millerton News - October 15, 2026

Download directly

The art of getting into art school

The art of getting into art school

Hudson Valley Regional Portfolio Day returns to Poughkeepsie.

Provided

For a young artist considering college, the question isn’t simply whether the work is good enough. It’s which work to show, which school might be the right fit and even whether a creative life can lead to a sustainable career.

On Friday, Oct. 16, hundreds of aspiring artists will have the opportunity to explore those questions at Hudson Valley Regional Portfolio Day, presented by The Art Effect at the MJN Convention Center in Poughkeepsie.

Keep ReadingShow less
education
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

A colorful life together at Atelier Valla

A colorful life together at Atelier Valla

Textile designer Justine Valla sits in her father’s chair, which she painted, alongside her husband, illustrator and muralist Victor Valla, in their Atelier Valla studio.

L. Tomaino
I lost the ability to paint after the accident. I struggled to paint again.
— Justine Valla

Husband and wife Victor and Justine Valla share a lavender and pink studio, Atelier Valla, across the driveway from their pink house, nestled into a hillside in Salisbury. The colors, said Justine, “were inspired by Monet’s house at Giverny.”

Creating art has been a lifelong pursuit for both.

Keep ReadingShow less
our community

David Ruchman’s “Acquired Taste”

David Ruchman’s “Acquired Taste”

Filmmaker David Ruchman

Bleacher and Everard Photography

In a region known for its vibrant but geographically scattered arts community, discovering something new can require a little effort. The same might be said for finding a new place for an extraordinary meal. While the Northwest Corner, Berkshires and Hudson Valley have no shortage of creative talent, opportunities to experience it — whether on a stage, in a gallery or on a plate — aren’t always just around the corner.

In David Ruchman’s short film “Acquired Taste,” that challenge becomes the premise for an unlikely friendship between Nick, an aspiring young food critic living in an area with limited dining options, and a gruff New York City master chef.

Keep ReadingShow less
film

Follow the Clay Way for ceramic delights

Follow the Clay Way for ceramic delights

Jane Herold’s beautifully simple dinnerware.

Provided

As the leaves across Litchfield and Dutchess counties rush to make it to the ground, your last chance to peep autumn is fast approaching. On Oct.17 and 18, the 10th annual Clay Way offers peepers a route to follow lined with unique art that rivals the area’s natural beauty.

The two-day event is a ceramics-focused open studio tour through northwestern Connecticut, with a few studios peppered in just over the border in Dutchess County. Featuring nine open studios and 25 participating artists, the tour promises a wide variety of work, from decorative objects to grand vessels and a whole world in between.

Keep ReadingShow less
open-studio
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.