Bethany Sheffer, volunteer coordinator and naturalist at Sharon Audubon, gives a talk on supporting birds using native plants at the Amenia Free Library Saturday, April 26. The program was put on by the Amenia Garden Club and Conservation Advisory Council as part of Earth Day events.
AMENIA — Watching birds find nourishment in nature can be an enjoyable experience. Supporting them in that endeavor can be even more rewarding.
Those attending a talk at the Amenia Free Library on Saturday by Bethany Sheffer, volunteer coordinator and naturalist at Sharon Audubon, heard about the plants on which birds feast, and gently encouraged listeners to consider adding some to their property.
The program was sponsored by the Amenia Garden Club and the Conservation Advisory Council as part of Earth Day events.
“We do a lot of work with forest conservation at Audubon to improve the environment for the habitat of birds,” Sheffer said. “That provides a long impact of feeding birds throughout the year.”
Her talk was accompanied by a PowerPoint filled with images of colorful birds and their habitats. She listed the various types of offerings for birds, including those under the category of hard mast, such as nuts and seeds. When Sheffer asked what birds would benefit from those items, she was delighted to find the audience so knowledgeable. The answers were bluejays, wild turkeys and wood ducks, noting that such things as acorns and hazelnuts provide 80% of their winter diets.
Dry seeds, which are a bit softer and found on maples and birches, are attractive to cross beaks, chickadees and cardinals, while flowers, buds, pollen and nectar on sugar maples, dogwoods and oaks, provide sustenance for orioles and scarlet tanagers due to the insects that inhabit them.
Turning to soft mast, which are fruits and berries, Sheffer described the plants that contain them, such as black cherry for thrushes and robins, red cedar for ruby-crowned kinglets and American holly, for hermit thrushes, bluejays and chickadees. She shared that berries are not that nourishing for birds.
Properties containing wetlands are often a good source of food for birds. Dispelling the myths surrounding the Virginia creeper and poison ivy, Sheffer said they don’t strangle trees and bring them down. “If you don’t come in contact with them, leave them be to offer food for birds.” When she asked if anyone has Virginia creeper in their yards, she elicited a loud round of laughter. “Is there anyone who doesn’t?” asked one audience member.
Sheffer said trees and shrubs not only provide food for birds, but cover as well. She also broached the subject of insects, which help sustain the bird population. Passing on some statistics, she noted that 96% of birds feed insects to their young. She surprised the audience with the fact that nesting chickadees eat 390 to 570 caterpillars a day and over 9,000 until they fledge.
Sheffer recommended apps that might be of interest to gardeners, including PictureThis and iNaturalist.
Millerton News
Millbrook High School Interact Club members store donated clothes they collected for Millbrook-based nonprofit Angels of Light to the organization’s office on Front Street near Marona’s Market on Thursday, April 16. The Interact Club runs charity drives and collects donations of clothes for local nonprofits.
Nathan Miller
Millerton News
Pianist Sophia Zhou sits at the piano at Smithfield Church in Amenia on Saturday, April 18. Zhou, who founded and serves as artistic director of the Millbrook Music Salon, performed a varied repertoire including works by Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin and Debussy.
Millerton News
April 18, 1935
$346.40 Worth Of Clothing Distributed By Red Cross
Clothing distributed to needy families during the past winter by the Town of North East branch of the American Red Cross amounted to $346.40 in value, it was disclosed at a recent meeting when reports were heard on the work accomplished up to the first of April. Eighty-eight garments were made by members of the local branch, representing 174 hours of work.
Mrs. Yorke Blanchard is president of the township organization and Mrs. C. M. B. Williams is secretary and treasurer. Working with these officers is an executive committee comprised of Mrs. Lees D. Willson, Mrs. Francis E. Wood. and Mrs. Frances Rundall. Mrs. Clayton Loan is chairman of the sewing and production committee and Mrs. Charles Brown is chairman of social service, Miss Kate Griffen cut the goods for the garments, donating her services.
Unless an emergency arises, the production of clothing will be decreased during the summer months, it is understood. The organization is hopeful of bringing out many workers again in the fall.
The annual roll call will take place in November when local Red Cross leaders hope to increase the enrollment in the township. The present membership is 110.
Authorities Smash Poultry Theft Ring
Sheriff’s Attaches and State Police Arrest Two-Leader Sought
[Sic] poultry-theft ring which has been operating in the central part of Dutchess County and even as far east as Amenia and Dover Plains was broken last week by Sheriff Hiram C. Carroll’s force and State Troopers. Two men were arrested as they were about to deliver a load of thirty-nine chickens and a teletype alarm was sent out for the alleged leader of the gang. Taken in custody were George Corey, 19, of Washington Hollow and Patterson, charged with third degree burglary, and Malcolm Florence Jr., of Washington Hollow, held as a material witness. Three other youths, including two brothers of the Florence boy, were released after making statements to the sheriff’s attaches.
The arrests followed an all-night vigil, the authorities stopping Corey along the road with an automobile load of chickens. Ferris, who was known to have started out with Corey, escaped. Corey, although at first refusing to talk, finally admitted that Ferris had got out of the car a little ways down the road to lighten the load because of a flat tire. The search for Ferris was extended to places in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Finds Balloon, Gets Free Pair of Glasses
Because he picked up the remains of a toy balloon he found in a pasture lot on his farm, Samuel T. Goodman of Avon, Conn., will find it a little easier to read the small type in his newspaper evenings [sic]. Attached to the remnants of the balloon was the business card of Dr. Harry S. Tripp, optometrist of Millerton and Beacon, stating that the finder would receive a free pair of glasses. The balloon was released by Dr. Tripp at the opening of the Brinckeroff Road, in the southern part of Dutchess County, last spring.
Farmers May Secure Loans For 1935 Crops
Emergency loans for producing 1935 crops and for the purchase or production of feed for livestock are now available to farmers who can qualify under the regulations, according to recent [sic] announcement. In accordance with the Act of Congress authorizing the loans and regulations issued by Governor W. I. Myers of the Farm Credit Administration, Ioans will be made only to farmers who are unable to obtain elsewhere seed, fertilizers, supplies, feed or the necessary credit to purchase such items. Loans will not be made to applicants who can obtain credit in the amount needed from any other source, including the production credit association.
April 15, 1976
Reading Committee Sponsors Lottery
The Reading Committee of Webutuck Central School is sponsoring a lottery in connection with a special collection of mystery stories and books.
The committee is collecting as many mysteries as they can through loan and donations and will make them available to the students in the Junior-Senior High to borrow.
For each book borrowed and returned, the students will place an index card with their name and a short report into a drum. At the end of the month, there will be a drawing and prizes awarded. The more books read will afford a greater chance of winning a prize.
The Reading Committee requests anyone who has mystery books to donate either leave them at the high school or call the school to arrange to have them picked up (leave a message for Mrs. Longstreth or Mrs. Clark). There will also be a place to leave books in the front hall on the night of the Bicentennial Celebration.
Books will be available for student use April 12 - May 11.
Fire Destroys 80 Acres
A grass fire caused by an overturned garbage incinerator devoured 80 acres of grass and woodland in Gallatin on Saturday, April 10.
The fire started on Saturday morning at the home of Gene Case. According to firemen at the scene the incinerator was in poor condition and it apparently disintegrated.
Milan and Ancram Fire Companies attended the fire which raged for most of the day.
April 19, 2001
Gift Shop/Gallery Relocates in Millerton
MILLERTON - Rhinebeck resident Alyssa Knapp has officially opened the doors of her recently relocated gift shop and art gallery, Luminari.
Ms. Knapp has moved her store from Rhinebeck to Millerton, and is now located on Main Street, adjacent to the Mane Street Salon and next to the Millerton Moviehouse.
Offering a wide variety of gift items, from the classical to the whimsical, Luminari also features local artists’ creations, such as sculptures, paintings and photographs.
Ms. Knapp described Luminari’s offerings as “an eclectic mix.” According to Ms. Knapp, the store harbors “hand-made, one-of-a-kind articles, as well as mass-produced gifts.” Ms. Knapp believes this variety of merchandise allows for a more flexible price range.
“I try to mix it up, so there is always something for everyone,” she said.
Ms. Knapp looks forward to becoming a part of the Millerton community.
“I’m very excited about meeting new people and artists,” added Ms. Knapp. She encourages people to make themselves known to her: “I’m not going to know you’re there if you don’t talk to me, so just come on by.” Luminari is open Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 to 6 and Sundays 11 to 5. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
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Leila Hawken
AMENIA — The Housing Board identified two potential uses for remaining funds from a community health grant at its regular meeting on Monday, April 13.
The town’s grant writer, Christy Gast, led the discussion, explaining that the town still has $12,884 available from a $13,000 open grant awarded by the Foundation for Community Health.
The funding was originally intended to help purchase property at 74 Lake Amenia Road for what would have been the town’s first affordable housing unit, but that plan did not move forward.
The available funding now totals $12,884, due to the expense of an earlier inspection.
Town Supervisor Rosanna Hamm recently met with foundation representatives to clarify how the funds could be redirected.
Gast said the grant can now be used for professional development, technical assistance, broader community development efforts or planning related to affordable housing — a continuing need in the town.
A one to two-page proposal detailing the intended use of the funds must be submitted to the FCH by the end of April, Gast told the board, emphasizing the time constraint. If the deadline is not met, the funding will pass on to the Recreation Commission, Gast noted.
“I know you have a lot of ideas,” Gast said, offering to work with the board on the proposal. She said she would need a clear description of how the funds would be used, along with a timeline and detailed budget.
After much discussion, the board agreed to two proposals that would fit FCH guidelines: to create a manual to define the duties and guidelines for serving as a member of the Housing Board, and to create a handbook clarifying the necessary steps for gaining approval to construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit. The latter is an option that appeals to several local residents, but the regulations seem confusing to them.
The ADU Handbook could be included on the town’s webpage for easy access and low cost, Gast suggested.
Nathan Miller
PINE PLAINS — Town Board members sought to fast-track a zoning district amendment after the former Lia’s Restaurant site on Route 82 was discovered to straddle two districts.
Eric Mortenson appeared at the Thursday, April 16, on behalf of Angela Somma, who is considering purchasing the former restaurant property to develop an event space with cottages for short-term lodging.
Somma first described her plans to buy the property at a Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, April 8, which led board members and the applicant to discover the zoning bifurcation.
Town Board members responded positively to the request, and instructed town attorney Warren Replansky to move forward with preparing a local law to start the process.
The request drew a question from Town Supervisor Brian Walsh, who asked why the property would be split into two zones in the first place, prompting Councilwoman Jeanine Sisco to summarize the conundrum.
“It’s a mistake,” Sisco said.
The Town of Pine Plains is expected to shoulder the cost of the redistricting. Council members Sisco and Kevin Walsh said they believed the move would be beneficial to the town regardless of who owned the land, echoing comments from Mortenson.
“We wanted to bring it whether it is purchased or not,” Mortenson said. “We feel it’s good for Pine Plains.”
Replansky is expected to begin drafting documents so the Town Board may begin the process as early as its next meeting. The attorney explained the town will need to adopt a local law, conduct a standard environmental review and schedule a public hearing. Walsh expressed hope that the process can be completed quickly.
“We trust that in our best interest you will find a way through this, Warren,” Walsh said. “There’s a will.”
Water leaks
Pine Plains Water Engineer Ray Jurkowski updated officials on leaks across the town’s water system, saying some low-priority leaks are releasing about 15,000 gallons of water per day — roughly equivalent to a small swimming pool.
Jurkowski explained that this winter’s bitter cold weather put extra stress on the town’s water mains. Extreme temperature changes cause dirt to expand and contract, which can shift and break pipes.
“This has been an old fashioned winter,” Jurkowski said. “We haven’t had this problem in about 10 years.”
The current water loss of about 15,000 gallons per day is down from previous months after water department employees located and repaired some leaks. Jurkowski said he located two leaks earlier in April, bringing the total so far for the year to five.
“We are moving in the right direction,” he said.
Graham Corrigan
Will Damante shows off a few of his comic books in the former Methodist Church in Stanford that he recently purchased to store his collection.
STANFORD — Collector Will Damante calls himself “The Comics King.”
The nickname dates back to eBay: after a dissatisfied customer review-bombed his original account, Damante started a new one, choosing the royal moniker “out of sheer pettiness.”
Standing in his Stanfordville warehouse, though, the title feels fitting. A kingdom of comics reaching 10 feet high, their meticulously labeled contents stretching up towards the cathedral ceiling.
They fill what was once the nave of a Methodist church — Damante bought the building in 2022, when his collection of comics grew beyond the capacity of its previous home. Originally from Staten Island, he moved to Poughkeepsie with his fiancé in 2015.
“There are about a quarter million books in here,” Damante said, gesturing to the cases and crates that fill the space. “And then you have the graphic novels, and vintage toys. I’ve been purchasing collections from people around the country, and now it’s time to put it all in order.”
The former Bangall Methodist church, originally built in 1843, closed its doors in 2021. The building’s historic origins are still on full display, from the 20-foot cathedral ceilings — complete with a belfry tower — to its vestibule.
The stained glass windows remain, too. But these days, they shine on different idols: Superheroes dominate this space now, waiting in tall stacks to be catalogued. Thin plastic sleeves and backing boards keep things neat. Now the comics are ready to travel with Damante to comic book conventions around the country. He also sells directly from his website, but a retail operation is not part of his plans.
“Occasionally I’ll do a garage sale type of thing, or have tables outside and do a barbecue,” he said. “I never intended to have a physical store, and the town stated that this could only be a living space.”
The rearrangement comes as comics are experiencing a prolonged cultural renaissance. Film and TV franchises, like Marvel’s “Avengers” and DC’s “Batman” movies, have made old heroes new again — and billions of dollars for movie studios. The challenge is getting younger fanbases to pick up the source material.
“The comic book market brings in about a billion dollars a year in sales,” Damante said. “Our goal is to get younger people reading. When you go to conventions, it’s usually guys in their 40s or older.”
But recently, there’s been reason to hope. Two recent comic book series — “Absolute DC” and “Ultimate Marvel” — imagined classic heroes in alternate universes, where they could “start from scratch,” Damante said. “They brought in a lot of new readers, especially younger people.”
The renewed popularity comes with its own caveats. Collectors, including Damante, have to balance their passion for the books with economic interests.
“I think the speculation market and the movie media has driven a kind of ‘flipper’ mentality,” he said. “Say there’s a trailer for a Spider-Man movie that comes out, and certain characters are teased in the movie. The next day, that book that was $10 is now going for $100.”
The most popular characters, like Superman, Batman, and X-Men, are more resistant to these market forces.
Superhero fatigue, in Damante’s eyes, is not a pressing concern. “If it’s good and resonates with the broader public, it’ll be successful,” he said. “Something I’ve noticed in the market lately is that DC’s on the come up, where they’ve kind of been second tier for quite some time.”
With another summer of superhero movies around the corner — “Supergirl” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” arrive this summer — Damante is hoping to build out his local community of aficionados.
“The closest comic shop would be in Hyde Park, or Kirwan’s in Kingston,” he said. “Most of my business comes from TikTok, Instagram, or comic book groups on Facebook.”
Still, local connections remain elusive. “If people have stuff that they want to sell, I’m your guy, whether it’s comics, toys, video games, collectibles,” Damante said. “This is how I live. I have no backup plan, so I want to do it right.”
To contact Damante or browse his collection, visit www.thecomicsking.com
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