Historic sites recall our history
Hiddenhurst Farm in North East, New York, was the estate of businessman Thomas Hidden.
Natalia Zukerman
Coleman Station.Natalia Zukerman
Latest News
WAM Theatre’s artistic director Genée Coreno
Richard Feiner And Annette Stover
Apr 29, 2026
WAM Theatre’s artistic director Genée Coreno.
David Dashiell
WAM Theatre will mark its 17th anniversary season with a lineup of mainstage productions and community programming focused on amplifying women’s voices, empowering young people and exploring the intersection of arts and activism.
The award-winning, women-owned company’s season will feature intimate storytelling, sharp comedy and historical works, alongside educational and community-based initiatives designed to engage audiences and support regional partnerships.
Artistic Director Genée Coreno said: “This season, WAM steps into a bold inquiry about influence, power, and the responsibility that comes with both, especially in moments when communities are searching for meaning. Now more than ever, we are reminded that theatre is a space to gather, to question, and to practice the kind of world we wish to inhabit.”
WAM stands for “Where Arts and Activism Meet,” and the theatre was co-founded in 2010 by Kristen van Ginhoven, now the executive director of Project SAGE in Salisbury, and Leigh Strimbeck in response to the book “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide,” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. Inspired by the call to “join an incipient movement to emancipate women and fight global poverty by unlocking women’s power as economic catalysts,” WAM’s vision is to create opportunities for women and girls through a mission of theatre as philanthropy.
This season, all WAM activities and events are united in their investigation of timely questions such as: What do we inherit? What do we believe? And what future are we brave enough to build? The season includes a full production of “Rooted,” by award-winning playwright Deborah Zoe Laufer (May 1-16); two readings in the WAM Fresh Takes series — “Amani,” by critically acclaimed playwright a.k. payne (June 14), and “Gorgeous,” by playwright Keiko Green (Aug. 16); WAM’s Summer Soirée benefit (July 26); and the fall mainstage production of “Camp Siegfried,” by Tony Award nominee Bess Wohl (Oct. 15-Nov. 1).
In addition, WAM’s 2026 season deepens its investment in the community with projects and programs in partnership with like-minded organizations, including the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and MOSAIC, the Elizabeth Freeman Center, the Lenox Library and Berkshire Community College. These activities spotlight changemakers working throughout the region to provide vital services and to engage the arts for democratic learning and expression, intergenerational dialogue and collective belonging.
To date, WAM has provided paid work to more than 500 theatre artists, the majority of whom are female-identifying. In fulfillment of its philanthropic mission, WAM donates a portion of proceeds from its mainstage productions to selected recipients. Since its founding in 2010, the theatre has donated more than $105,000 to 26 local and global organizations supporting gender equity in areas such as girls’ education, reproductive justice, human trafficking awareness and midwife training.
Managing Director Molly Merrihew said: “Artists and educators are the changemakers who nurture communities into vibrant, sustainable ecosystems fueled by collective, creative, and collaborative action. We hope you will join us.”
WAM Theatre has been widely recognized for its positive impact on cultural and community development in the region. This season is expected to deepen that impact.
Passes and single tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit wamtheatre.com.
Keep ReadingShow less
'Closer to the Sun'
Millerton News
Apr 29, 2026
Provided
“Closer to the Sun,” a solo exhibition of nature-inspired paintings by Gabe Brown, opens May 2 with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. at Kenise Barnes Fine Art at 7 Fulling Lane, Kent.
Barbara Ann Murphy
Millerton News
Apr 29, 2026
AMENIA — Barbara Ann Murphy, 93, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, devotion, and unwavering love for her family. Born on Jan. 5, 1933, in Poughkeepsie, New York, Barbara was the daughter of Wallace and Catherine Schaffer. She dedicated her early life to caring for others, graduating from St. Francis School of Nursing in Poughkeepsie and later earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Her calling to serve led her to the Army Nurse Corps, where she proudly served as a First Lieutenant during the Korean Conflict, stationed at Walter Reed Hospital. It was through her work as a nurse that Barbara’s life took a beautiful turn; she met her future husband, William E.P. Murphy, while caring for him as a patient at St. Francis Hospital. Their love story blossomed into a marriage that began on Sept. 20, 1958, and endured until his passing in 2000.
Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who built a life centered on faith, family, and service. After raising her children, she returned to nursing at the Wassaic Developmental Center, where she worked until her retirement in 1990. She also served her community as a member of the Amenia Fire Company, volunteering as an EMT and offering care and comfort to those in need. Service was not just her profession, it was a defining part of who she was. She spent over 50 years in Amenia, New York, a place she proudly called home before moving to Geer Village in Canaan, Connecticut in 2013.
A deeply devout Catholic, Barbara lived her faith daily. She was a dedicated member of Immaculate Conception Church in Amenia, faithfully attending daily Mass and serving as a lector. Her commitment to her faith extended beyond routine; it was a guiding force in her life, one she instilled in her children and grandchildren. Whether it meant finding a church in an airport during travels or sharing quiet moments of reflection, she ensured that faith remained at the center of family life.
Barbara found joy in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures. She was an avid traveler, exploring Europe and enjoying riverboat cruises with her beloved husband Bill. After his passing, she continued her adventures with her sisters-in-law, embracing the world with curiosity and gratitude. At home, she was rarely without a book in hand, a voracious reader who found comfort and joy in stories.
She will be remembered for her wisdom, her steady presence, and her ability to find joy in laughter, especially a good joke, often shared and passed along from others. Above all, she will be remembered for her deep love of family, her strength, and the values she lived by every day.
Barbara is survived by her children; Christopher Murphy (Tamara) of Clermont, Florida, Maureen Morley (Thomas) of Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania, Eileen Ehlers (Richard) of Olathe, Kansas, Leah Rost (Ernest) of Brick, New Jersey, and William Murphy, Jr. (Mary) of Amenia, New York. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren;Richard Ehlers, Jr., Elyse Colon, Hillary, Lauren and Kurt Bennett, William Rost, Abbey, Krista and Liam Murphy, and Owen and Connor Lynch, along with ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister in-law; Veronica Rosen and her husband Ron of Poughkeepsie, New York, and Sandra Murphy of Simpsonville, South Carolina, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, William E.P. Murphy, her grandson, Gregory Rost in 2018, and her sister, Joan Post in 2017.
Barbara’s life was a testament to faith, service, and love, a life well-lived and deeply cherished by all who knew her.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Church, 4 Lavelle Road, Amenia, NY. Burial followed at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Amenia, NY, with Standard Military Army Honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 4 Lavelle Road, Amenia, NY 12501. To send an online condolence to the family or to plant a tree in Barbara’s memory, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.comArrangements have been entrusted to Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546.
Keep ReadingShow less
Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
Ronald W. Murphy Jr.
Millerton News
Apr 29, 2026
MILLERTON — Ronald W. Murphy Jr., passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, at his home in North Carolina, with his family at his side, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and strength. He was born April 3, 1960, to Ronald W. Sr. and Janet Murphy. Ron lived in Millerton, New York before recently moving to North Carolina to enjoy the warmer southern weather. He lived a life full of passion for his family and the simple joys that brought him happiness.
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Beth Polanis-Murphy, who remains at home; his children, Kelly Kilmer (Walter), John Murphy, Bobby Murphy (Danielle), and Betsy Toth (Steve); stepdaughter, Sara Murali; and his sister, Inez Tierney. He was a proud and cherished grandfather to Victoria, Dylan, Jemini, Eric, Ronan, Morgan, Alex, Gage, Mira, Amelia, Carter and great grandfather to Colton and Gunner.
Ron was predeceased by his first wife, Jane Murphy in 2012; his parents, Ronald Sr. and Janet Murphy and his granddaughter, Karlene Ann Golden.
Ron had a deep love for classic cars and motorcycles. Whether he was restoring, admiring, buying/selling or simply talking about them, they brought him great joy.He was also a lifetime member of the Millerton Volunteer Fire Department.
Ron was never shy about sharing his advice, had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor, a joke to tell, and a truly big-hearted nature. His presence will be deeply missed but forever cherished by all who knew him.
Honoring his wishes, services will be private, with a quiet graveside service for family at Irondale Cemetery in Millerton, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at 10286 Staples Mill Rd., Box 814 Glen Allen Virginia, 23060. To send an online condolence to the family or to plant a tree in Ron’s memory, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546.
Keep ReadingShow less
Letters to the Editor — Thursday, April 30
Millerton News
Apr 29, 2026
Omissions in ‘surging gas prices’ article
Last week’s front-page article, “Surging gas prices stretch local budgets,” was timely and certainly of interest to everyone. However, I noted two obvious omissions. One, there was no mention of local governments adjusting their budgets by reducing spending as most families must do when confronted by rising prices in the face of fixed incomes. When costs rise for essential commodities such as gasoline, the logical response is to temporarily cut back on spending for non-essential things like entertainment and eating out, or postponing major purchases. The economy is cyclical and the cost of gasoline fluctuates. It will not remain high forever. Budgets can always be readjusted when things return to what passes for normal — for families and local governments, alike.
Speaking of which, the present cost of gasoline has risen from approximately $3.00 a gallon a year ago to about $4.00 presently. This is due to our current conflict with Iran, something which began 47 years ago. The Iranian mullahs declared war on us but we never responded. Every president just kicked the can down the road, expecting a successor to deal with it. “It,” of course, was the threat of a nuclear attack as soon as they completed a weapon to use. They got closer and closer until President Trump moved preemptively to eliminate the threat. Geopolitics are complicated and things do not get resolved overnight. The rest of us need to practice patience.
I noted one more thing in the article. While the cost of a gallon of gasoline rose from $3.00 to its current $4.00 in the past year, nowhere in was it mentioned that the average weekly retail gasoline price hit an all-time high of $5.07 a gallon in 2022 when Joseph Biden was President. Most people seem to have selective amnesia.
Richard Kopec
Sharon
Medicaid critical for dementia testing
I think that almost everyone knows someone or some family that has been affected by — or is currently affected by — Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. There is some good news: medical science now knows of diet and other lifestyle changes that can help prevent or delay the onset of dementia.
There is FDA-approved biomarker testing that can inform people of dementia risks with a simple blood test. Biomarker testing is available for cancer risks as well. Early warnings of cancer can, of course, also help patients to fight this disease more effectively. As the old saying goes, “knowledge is power.”
Disappointingly, Governor Hochul has scaled back Medicaid coverage for these blood tests from her 2027 budget. I think that it is cruel and ultimately bad for our society as a whole not to provide Medicaid coverage for biomarker testing for those who are among the most vulnerable in our State.
I am hopeful that our representatives in the State Senate and State Assembly — Senator Hinchey and Assemblywoman Barrett — will use their influence to get Medicaid coverage for biomarker testing back in the 2027 budget.
Amy Rothstein
Pine Plains
Keep ReadingShow less
Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
loading
