Nature's transition

Weather these days conjures up subtle daily changes. Mornings are brisk and refreshing, early softwood tree leaves begin dropping, burning bushes turn from soft pink to radiant reds on full display in the morning sun.

Deer are on the move. Spring and summer born fawns are now almost as big as mom; some sprouting antlers and challenging one another. Spring turkey poults are now adult size and ranging further from mom’s protection. Squirrels and chipmunks busy burying nut mast for winter snacks. Helter-skelter nut saplings will be erupting in the next couple years from forgotten treats.

Gardens stubbornly give up the last of this year’s bounty awaiting tilling and a light dusting of lime and next year’s planting. Scrubs and flowers need trimming and mulching. Trees to be pruned, ground story cut and raked. The last firewood delivery needs stacking. Air conditioners go into hibernation, window seals and integrity inspected.

Almost done, then my thoughts turn to sports, mainly deer and turkey hunting and fishing. Deer camp tent will be raised soon with preparations and cleaning following. This is a great month, dependent on water conditions, to head to streams and rivers for some of the finest trout fishing of the year. Trout are aggressive. Little need for finesse; trout will take almost any offering. My favorite is a #10 barbless White Wulff enabling me to easily follow the fly and watch trout launch themselves from bottoms and lairs to attack their prey. Their flesh is now firm and sweet providing an excellent meal for the evening. Lakes and ponds offer excellent fishing.

No need to rise early, action is best after the sun has warmed surface temps. My favorite strategy is a medium surface jerk bait which often entices spectacular splashy strikes. I always take advantage of this opportune seasonal transition offering me plenty of exercise and fresh air.

Regardless of your preferred outdoor activity, get out and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer in improving both physical and mental health. God bless you readers and your families. Embrace your family and close friends and lend a helping hand to those in need. Hope to see you at the local Millerton Legion and Firehouse breakfasts. Contact a friend and enjoy a wonderfully filling sit-down meal or grab take-outs. You won’t be sorry. Til next time.

Town of North East resident Larry Conklin is a Vietnam veteran and a member of both the Millerton American Legion Post 178 and the VFW Post 6851 in North Canaan, Connecticut.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Governor Hochul implements temporary statewide burn ban

The LED sign in front of Amenia's Town Hall on Route 22 warns passing motorists of the current temporary burn ban, in effect from Oct. 2 to Oct. 15.

Photo by Nathan Miller

A statewide burn ban is in effect as of Thursday, Oct. 2, the New York State Governor's office announced in a press release.

The temporary ban is in effect until at least Oct. 15, and the statement released by the governor's office said the restrictions will be re-evaluated prior to the Oct. 15 deadline.

Keep ReadingShow less
Barbara Meyers DelPrete

LAKEVILLE, Conn. — Barbara Meyers DelPrete, 84, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 76 Sharon Rd., Lakeville.

Keep ReadingShow less
Stanford’s Haunted Fortress gearing up for opening day

Volunteers were hard at work putting the finishing touches on the crucial creepy decorations for the Haunted Fortress of Stanford on Sunday, Sept. 28.

Nathan Miller

STANFORD — Greg Arent led a devoted team of volunteers on Sunday, Sept. 28, in a final push to prepare Stanford’s Haunted Fortress for opening day.

Final touches included cleaning the bottomless pit, scrubbing the pirate ship, raking the graveyard and dressing the dolls. By 2 p.m., about 20 volunteers had assembled to creepify the beloved local landmark.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Public Works Superintendent resigns, Police Chief takes the job

From left, Jim Milton, Spencer Parks and William J. Clark stand with Joseph Olenik on their first day working under him as the head of Public Works on Monday, Sept. 29.

Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Village announced a leadership change at the Highway Department on Friday following the resignation of Superintendent Peter Dellaghelfa. Police Chief Joseph Olenik will step into the role, effective immediately, officials said.

Olenik will continue to serve as Police Chief.

Keep ReadingShow less