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Millerton library offers free Spanish lessons free
Graham Corrigan
Apr 22, 2026
File photo
MILLERTON — A child’s ability to absorb language can feel almost like a superpower — and the Millerton Library is leaning into that idea with a new series of free Spanish lessons for young learners.
The program, designed for children ages 5 to 7, will run over the next four Saturdays beginning April 25, led by instructor Isabel Gutiérrez Rendón.
Rendón taught English to children in her home country, Colombia. She began teaching Spanish to children in the U.S. shortly after moving here and working as an au pair.
“It’s something I can share with other kids,” Rendón said. “If they’re interested in learning a new language, I’m happy to do it.”
The lessons are aimed at young children, according to Kim Yarnell, an organizer with the library. “At that point, they’re old enough to pay attention,” said Yarnell with a laugh. “The gift of a second language is one of the best things you can give your kid.”
The curriculum is designed to tackle the basics, for that age. The first lesson will cover greetings and introductions, followed by sessions on numbers, days of the week, and seasons. But it won’t be a typical classroom experience. “The kids aren’t going to just be sitting and listening to me,” she said. “I want them to be up and moving.”
They’ll tackle Spanish in a variety of ways: music, physical activities, games, and simple conversational practice are all on the docket.
The offer of free lessons comes as the mid-Hudson valley has welcomed larger numbers of Spanish-speaking residents in recent years. Dutchess County’s Hispanic population increased from 11% in 2010 to 17% in 2024. “We’re building bridges” with new residents, said Yarnell. “It’s also reflective of the importance of our local library.” The first class is on Saturday, April 25, at the Millerton Library.
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Webutuck hosts Catskill for 2026 home opener
Millerton News
Apr 22, 2026
Ciara Grey makes contact with a pitch during the Webutuck softball team’s home opener on Tuesday, April 14, at Webutuck High School.
Nathan Miller
Nathan Miller
Ciara Grey throws a ball to home plate to defend against Catskill runners during Webutuck softball’s home opener on Tuesday, April 14, at Webutuck High School. The game against Catskill ended with a 20-5 win for the visiting team, with Webutuck putting up modest runs in the latter half of the game.
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Students drive clothing donation
Millerton News
Apr 22, 2026
Nathan Miller
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
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Zhou at Smithfield
Millerton News
Apr 22, 2026
Zhou at Smithfield
Leila Hawken
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.
Poultry theft ring, crop loans, retail shuffle
Millerton News
Apr 22, 2026
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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Housing Board weighs uses for remaining grant funds
Leila Hawken
Apr 22, 2026
Amenia Town Hall on Route 22.
File photo
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.
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