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Paley’s Farm Market opens season, signaling start of spring
Aly Morrissey
Apr 01, 2026
Paley’s Farm Market, located near the New York–Connecticut border on Amenia Road in Sharon, Conn.
Photo by Aly Morrissey
SHARON, Conn. — For many local residents, spring doesn’t truly begin until Paley’s Farm Market opens its doors, and customers turned out in force for its 44th season opening on Saturday, March 28.
Located on Amenia Road in Sharon, Paley’s is a seasonal destination for residents of New York and Connecticut and, over the past four decades, has evolved from a locally grown produce center into a full-scale garden center, farm market and fine food market.
Despite a chilly start to the day, the opening drew a steady crowd, with a full parking lot and early signs of the busy season ahead.
“It’s been going really well,” said owner Sarah Coon, who purchased the business from her brother in 2019. “It’s chilly, but we’ve had a nice turnout. The sun’s out, and that always helps.”
Mimi Harson of Sharon and Anette Cantilli of Millbrook shared an outing together to purchase flowers and plants for their deck pots.
“It’s exciting, we love Paley’s,” Cantilli said of the opening day as she filled her car trunk with pansies.
Behind the scenes, opening day is the culmination of months of preparation – much of it beginning long before winter has fully loosened its grip.
“We open our first greenhouse in early February, and that’s when the fun begins,” Coon said. “We start planting pansies then, and once you open that greenhouse, you’re committed. It’s like having a bunch of babies out there – you have to make sure nothing goes wrong.
This year’s opening comes after a particularly snowy winter that, just weeks ago, left the property covered in large mounds of snow.
“I looked around and thought, ‘I don’t know if we’re going to be able to open on time,’” Coon said. “There was snow everywhere. It was hard to even imagine. But here we are.”
Early spring offerings include rows of colorful pansies grown from seed, along with cold-tolerant vegetable starts, herbs and Easter-ready planters designed for patios and entryways. Bulbs such as daffodils and tulips are also available, along with seeds, soil and gardening supplies.
“It’s not too early,” she said of the growing season. “You can start seeds indoors now, even just on a windowsill. And if it doesn’t work, you can always come back and getplants.”
While the market’s popular prepared foods and grocery offerings will arrive later in the season, the early weeks focus on planting and preparation. Dry goods are expected in the coming weeks, followed by a gradual buildout of the full market.
New this year, Paley’s has partnered with Homegrown National Park, a national initiative promoting the use of native plants. The collaboration will help customers more easily identify native species to incorporate into their gardens.
“We think it’s going to be good for our staff and our customers,” she said. “It makes it easier for people to mix native plants into what they’re already doing.
Paley’s typically operates through mid-October, employing up to a dozen staff members at the height of the season, along with part-time and retired workers who assist with planting and maintenance.
For many, the opening marks more than just the start of a business cycle – it’s a seasonal ritual.
“We all need a little color right now,” Coon said. “And a little warmth. It’s coming.”
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Four Brothers Drive-In kicks off season with lower prices, expanded offerings
Aly Morrissey
Apr 01, 2026
The Four Brothers Drive-In on Route 44 in Amenia.
Photo by Aly Morrissey
AMENIA — The Four Brothers Drive-In quietly opened its 2026 season with a “soft launch,” offering a family-friendly double feature on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, while signaling a broader push to keep the experience affordable amid economic uncertainty.
Though the towering movie screen was back in action last weekend, casting a glow over downtown Amenia, the full property — including The Shack, mini golf, and the Hotel Caravana airstreams— will officially open April 17.
“We always want to be affordable and accessible,” owner John Stefanopoulos said. “With everything going on — the economy, the war and changes to the movie business — we decided to lower our prices this year.”
General admission has dropped from $15 to $12 for adults and from $10 to $8 for children.
“It’s a great bargain to watch one or two movies and enjoy an experience that’s communal, exciting and fun for adults, kids and even dogs,” he added.
Founded by four Greek immigrant brothers who arrived in the U.S. in the early 1970s, Four Brothers grew from a single Connecticut pizzeria into a regional chain over the following decades, building a loyal following around family recipes, including its signature pizza and Greek dressing.
The drive-in was added 14 years ago and has continued to evolve beyond movies,leaning into what has become a hallmark of the Stefanopoulos family’s brand — a mix of nostalgia, hospitality and playful reinvention.
“It wouldn’t be us if we didn’t try something new,” Stefanopoulos said.
That experimentation is especially evident in the menu, which manager Tom Stefanopoulos said will take center stage this season.
“The really cool part of the drive-in is our food component, and this year we’re pushing hard on the menu,” he said.
New this year, guests will be able to access rotating, limited-time menu items through a QR code featured on menus. The code links to playful multimedia content revealing surprise offerings — a strategy designed to keep visitors engaged and coming back.
Among the debut items will be a pork katsu sandwich — a crispy fried pork cutlet served on fresh bread with a house-made special mayo and a touch of hoisin sauce, blending Greek and Asian influences in a creative, out-of-the-box offering.
“We’re trying to have fun with it,” Tom said. “It keeps our guests interacting with us, gives them something new each time they come, and keeps everyone surprised.”
“It’s very on brand with who we are,” John said. “We’re always finding different ways to create an experience.”
The drive-in will also bring back its weekly Throwback Thursday programming, often featuring live music and guest appearances, along with returning favorites like lobster rolls — now joined this season by a new spicy truffle variation.
“We joke that we’ve become the lobster kings,” John joked, adding that they find it funny that they set out to offer Greek-style pizza but have become more well-known, at least in the summer months, for their lobster rolls.
A new “Dubai” shake and sundae — featuring pistachio and chocolate flavors inspired by Mediterranean influences — will also be available for the first time.
Beyond the food and film, updates are underway across the property. The Hotel Caravana Airstreams will undergo slight renovations, offering a glamping experience for people wishing to stay on the property. They will feature new furniture and decor to make the space relevant and fresh.
The outdoor dining area will also feature new patio furniture, with a more lounge-like section where adults can hang out for drinks.
As always, movie schedules will be announced on a monthly basis. The Shack will open on April 17, and by May, the venue will be open seven days a week.
“For us, and for our staff, it’s a really special place to work,” John said. “You feel the energy of summer — the movie starting, cars and people pouring in, the music, the whole scene.”
Over the years, the atmosphere has drawn its share of celebrities, including Ethan Hawke, Jason Blum, Liam Neeson and Lin Manuel Miranda.
As the drive-in marks its 14th season — and the restaurant approaches 50 years — the family sees the moment as both a milestone and a continuation.
“With America’s 250th birthday on the horizon, it’s wild to think we’ve been serving our Greek-American style of pizza for about twenty percent of that time,” John said.
Learn more at playeatdrink.com.
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Sherman Players celebrate a century of community theater
Richard Feiner And Annette Stover
Apr 01, 2026
Cast of “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” from left to right. Tara Vega, Steve Zerilli, Bob Cady (Standing) Seated at the table: Andrew Blanchard, Jon Barker, Colin McLoone, Chris Bird, Rebecca Annalise, Adam Battlestein
Provided
For a century, the Sherman Players have turned a former 19th-century church into a stage where neighbors become castmates, volunteers power productions and community is the main attraction. The company marks its 100th season with a lineup that blends classic works, new writing and homegrown talent.
New England has a long history of community theater and its role in strengthening civic life. The Sherman Players remain a vital example, mounting intimate, noncommercial productions that draw on local participation and speak to the current cultural moment.
Sherman Players President Missy Alexander is an enthusiastic champion of the group’s history and collaborative spirit, which engages amateurs and professionals alike “to see what fun we can have” in bringing theater to all audiences. Everyone pitches in — from sets and costumes to administrative work — to bring each production to life. She calls it the “extra special sparkle” that has defined the company since its first performances in their historic church home in 1926.
The season opens in April with Neil Simon’s “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” a comedy set in the 1950s television writers’ room during the McCarthy era. In June, the company will present a production (with live music) of the classic Broadway musical “Bye, Bye Birdie!” one of the first shows that highlighted the Baby Boomer generation and our “Kids are King” culture.
In July, The Sherman Players will debut “Restored to Reason,” a new work by local writer Elizabeth Young about Mary Todd Lincoln. Developed through the theater’s Cold Lemonade reading series, the work marks the first time the company has taken a piece from staged reading to full production, a memorable milestone in the group’s historic mission.
September brings a timely revival of the historic American courtroom drama, “Inherit the Wind.” The Sherman Players last presented this riveting account of the infamous Scopes “monkey trial” in 1966. The season concludes with a special holiday presentation of “An American Christmas Carol,” an original adaptation of the Dickens classic, written by Artistic Director Robin Frome, directed by Jane Farnol.
Alexander is quick to acknowledge that The Sherman Players is committed to supporting the broader regional arts community. “We’re closer than you think, and we all draw on the same talents and resources,” she said. “We all see and support each other’s work.”
This dedication is helping to enrich the theater-going experience for everyone, from long-established generational Sherman Players patrons to new, younger audiences looking for community connection.
The Sherman Playhouse is located at 5 Route 39 N, Sherman, Connecticut. For tickets, subscriptions and more information, visit shermanplayers.org.
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Millbrook, Millerton police chiefs represent rural voice in county leadership
Aly Morrissey
Apr 01, 2026
Millerton Police Chief Joe Olenik, left, and Millbrook Police Chief Keith Dworkin at the Dutchess County Association of Chiefs of Police in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Photo Provided
MILLBROOK — Millbrook Police Chief Keith Dworkin has been elected president of the Dutchess County Association of Police Chiefs, placing a rural voice in a key county leadership role at a time when smaller departments are grappling with staffing and resource challenges.
Dworkin, who has been a member of the association for five years, said the role offers an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among law enforcement leaders across the county.
“I was really happy to be able to step into this role,” Dworkin said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to maintain strong working relationships among departments and continue improving how we serve our communities.”
Dworkin’s appointment was also welcomed by Dutchess County Legislator Eric Alexander, who represents Millbrook, Amenia, Washington and part of Pleasant Valley.
“Chief Dworkin is an outstanding manager who has brought a new level of professionalism to our police force,” Alexander said. “His election to this prestigious position is clear recognition of the sophistication, commitment to community and strong leadership he has displayed throughout his career. Millbrook is lucky to have him.”
Dworkin assumes the presidency after serving as treasurer, secretary and vice president of the organization, which brings together chiefs and department leaders from agencies of all sizes across Dutchess County.
The group meets approximately five times a year, convening police chiefs, captains, lieutenants and other department heads to discuss shared challenges, legislative updates and emerging trends in law enforcement.
While departments vary in size and resources, Dworkin said many of the issues are universal.
“Whether you’re a large agency or a small one, we’re all dealing with recruitment, retention and training,” he said. “The issues may look a little different, but they often apply across the board. The goal is to work together and keep those lines of communication open.”
A key priority during his one-year term will be expanding training opportunities and ensuring departments have access to evolving tools and technologies, Dworkin said.
“We’re looking at how we can better provide relevant training to all levels of officers,” Dworkin said. “That includes working with the state and outside resources, and bringing in vendors to talk about things like records management systems and other technology that’s constantly changing.”
The association also serves as a forum for discussion around legislation and policy, often inviting elected officials to speak with law enforcement leaders.
Among the ongoing concerns is the state’s cap on earnings for retired police officers working part-time, which Dworkin said has made it more difficult for smaller departments to maintain adequate staffing.
“It hasn’t kept up with the cost of living, and it really impacts our ability to provide coverage,” he said. “Recruitment and retention continue to be major challenges, especially for smaller agencies.”
That perspective is shared by Millerton Police Chief Joe Olenik, who also participates in countywide discussions – currently serving as treasurer – and represents northeastern Dutchess communities.
“Olenik and I have gotten to know each other over the last few years, and we deal with a lot of similar challenges,” Dworkin said. “We’re smaller agencies, and we don’t always have the same resources, so working together is critical to overcoming those hurdles.”
Beyond formal meetings, Dworkin said the value of the association lies in the camaraderie and relationships built between departments.
“It’s a great collaborative effort,” he said. “It’s great to share ideas, help each other out, even in small ways. Everything we do is collaborative, and that’s what makes the association so valuable.”
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Reimagining opera for a new generation
Graham Corrigan
Apr 01, 2026
Stage director Geoffrey Larson signs autographs for some of the kids after a family performance.
Provided
For those curious about opera but unsure where to begin, the Mahaiwe Theater in Great Barrington will offer an accessible entry point with “Once Upon an Opera,” a free, family-friendly program on Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m. The event is designed for opera newcomers and aficionados alike and will include selections from some of opera’s most beloved works.
Luca Antonucci, artistic coordinator, assistant conductor and chorus master for the Berkshire Opera Festival, said the idea first materialized three years ago.
“This production is one of the highlights of the off-season,” he said.
“Opera is all about telling stories through music, which makes the concert a hit with people of all ages,” he added. “Every story has something to tell us about the human experience.” He pointed to the range of material covered in the program. “From the beautiful ornamentation of Baroque operas to the majesty of Mozart, to the gripping emotions of Verdi and Puccini … up to the modern-day stories of today’s operas by composers like Huang Ruo, Missy Mazzoli and so many others.”
The event features three singers from the Berkshire Opera Festival: soprano Juliet Schlefer, mezzo-soprano Abbegael Greene and tenor Maximillian Jansen. All three are still early in their careers, a class of rising vocal talent carrying the torch for the next generation. They will be accompanied by pianist Charles Tsui.
“I think that opera is especially exciting for families and young children precisely because it is all about storytelling,” Antonucci said. “Adding costumes, sets, props and the incredible power of operatic voices to the mix makes it one of the few types of experiences where all the arts come together.”
This year, the production reimagines some of those legendary stories in present-day Massachusetts. As always, “Once Upon an Opera” promises to be an interactive affair, encouraging audience participation throughout its hourlong runtime. While the event is free, reservations are encouraged due to limited seating.
Tickets are available at berkshireoperafestival.org/onceuponanopera.
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BSO charts future amid leadership transition and financial strain
Natalia Zukerman
Apr 01, 2026
Aerial view of The Shed at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts.
Provided
The Boston Symphony Orchestra is outlining its path forward following the announcement that music director Andris Nelsons will step down after the 2027 Tanglewood season, closing a 13-year tenure.
In a letter to supporters, the BSO’s Board of Trustees acknowledged that the news has been difficult for many in its community, while emphasizing gratitude for Nelsons’ leadership and plans to celebrate his final season.
The orchestra also pointed to broader challenges facing the institution and the field at large. Attendance has declined over the past two decades, while operating costs have risen. The BSO has relied on more than $100 million in reserve funds beyond standard endowment draws to cover ongoing deficits, and key facilities — including venues at Tanglewood — require significant upgrades.
In response, the organization is advancing a long-term strategy centered on three priorities: programming, partnerships and place. Plans include rethinking how concerts reach contemporary audiences, strengthening ties across Boston and the Berkshires, and investing in major performance spaces such as Symphony Hall and Tanglewood.
The board emphasized that while the BSO remains committed to artistic excellence and its core repertoire, adapting to changing audience habits will be critical to its sustainability. Leaders say ongoing conversations with musicians, staff and community partners have helped shape the new direction.
Despite financial pressures and leadership changes, trustees expressed confidence in the orchestra’s future, underscoring the role of audiences, donors and artists in sustaining one of the country’s oldest cultural institutions.
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