Letter to the Editor: Thursday, April 17

Thanks for an Amenia team effort at cemetery

An article in the Harlem Valley Times 25 years ago highlighted the efforts of the Amenia Historical Society, aided by the manpower of the Amenia Highway Department, to clean up the old Amenia Burying Ground on Mygatt Road.
Bill and Janet Burke were new to the neighborhood in the year 2000 and were eager to improve the sad condition of the burying ground across the road. They shared their concern with the historical society members. Ann Linden responded wholeheartedly. Someone in the group called on Stanley Whitehead and his highway crew for assistance. AHS was very grateful for the work that was accomplished. From then on, Mr. Burke faithfully kept an eye on the place — until he was no longer able to do so.
Now, in 2025, a similar story is playing out. Sadly, it is without Bill Burke’s enthusiastic presence. However, in preparation for a special event at the cemetery, which is scheduled for April 26, historical society members have been concerned about the neglected place and the need to neaten up the grounds. Much to their relief, the Amenia highway department once again offered to help. This time it was through the good graces of Megan Chamberlin, following in Whitehead’s footsteps. On a rainy, cold morning last week, she mobilized men and machines to clear away years of decaying leaves, limbs and vines from under an old, rotten tree in the cemetery, doing AHS and the Town of Amenia a great favor.
Last fall, Northwest Landscaping did their annual job of removing leaves as best they could, but fallen tree limbs and vines hampered the leaf-blowing efforts. Just recently, Lee’s Tree Service did a great job removing limbs and branches from off the stone walls and cutting back the low hanging tree branches that endanger the ancient gravestones. Town Supervisor Leo Blackman has supported these endeavors.
The special ceremony at the cemetery, scheduled for April 26 at 2 p.m., is open to the public. AHS will be unveiling a sign to honor the Revolutionary War soldiers who were buried there. Three more cemeteries in Amenia will have similar events in the coming weeks, as we begin the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War. Thanks to our Amenia team effort at the cemetery, we are off to a good start.
Betsy Strauss,
Town Historian
Amenia

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

Troutbeck Symposium 2025: the latest chapter in continuing a vital legacy

Participating students and teachers gathered for the traditional photo at the 2025 Troutbeck Symposium on Thursday, May 1.

Leila Hawken

Students and educators from throughout the region converged at Troutbeck in Amenia for a three-day conference to present historical research projects undertaken collaboratively by students with a common focus on original research into their chosen topics. Area independent schools and public schools participated in the conference that extended from Wednesday, April 30 to Friday, May 2.

The symposium continues the Troutbeck legacy as a decades-old gathering place for pioneers in social justice and reform. Today it is a destination luxury country inn, but Troutbeck remains conscious of its significant place in history.

Keep ReadingShow less
Roaring Oaks Florist launches self-serve flower market

Terence S. Miller, owner of Roaring Oaks Florist in the new self-serve area of the shop.

Natalia Zukerman

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Roaring Oaks Florist in Lakeville has launched a new self-serve flower station next to its Main Street shop, offering high-quality, grab-and-go bouquets from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week — including Sundays when the main store is closed.

Owner Terence S. Miller, who bought the shop 24 years ago at just 20 years old, calls the new feature “a modern twist on an old-school honor system,” with some high-tech updates.

Keep ReadingShow less
Third graders enjoy classical treat at Music Mountain

A string quartet opened the Bard Conservatory of Music program for Region One third grade students at Music Mountain.

Patrick L. Sullivan

Region One third grade students attended a chamber music concert by Bard Conservatory of Music students at Music Mountain Tuesday, April 29.

After expending spare energy racing around the Music Mountain lawn, the children trooped into the concert hall and took their seats.

Keep ReadingShow less