Locust Grove hosts annual women’s networking event

Locust Grove hosts annual women’s networking event

Women networked at The Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie on Wednesday, July 17.

Photo by Colleen Flynn

POUGHKEEPSIE — Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and other community members hosted the annual women’s networking event at The Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie on Wednesday, July 17.

“One of the best parts of running for office is getting the chance to meet women who are on the ground making a difference in our community,” Sue Serino said in her opening remarks.

The first women’s networking event was launched in 2018, and it now hosts over 1,000 local women. This event aims to bring local women together to develop a strong and united source of professional networks.

“I came here for the first time last year, and it was so motivational that it inspired me to start working again since Covid,” said Rita Longo, a retired veteran and professor.

Speakers for this year’s event were Malia Du Mont, Samantha Brittain, and CaraMia Bacchiochi, who all shared parts of their struggles. Du Mont is a Chief of Staff at Bard College and an Army Reserve Officer who “found happiness” while deployed to Afghanistan. Brittain, a Green Teen program manager at Cornell Cooperative, shared her struggles with mental health and addiction. Lastly, Bacchiochi, executive director of Hope on a Mission, talked about her addictions and homelessness, which led her to create her non-profit, which now serves 500 meals a week in Poughkeepsie.

“I hope that tonight all of you feel that sense of empowerment and support from the other women here, and I hope you feel empowered to tackle the challenges you are facing,” Serino said.

The guest speakers were asked to stay on the “Vision Beyond Challenges” theme, sharing how they have grown and overcome different obstacles. The Women’s Networking Event not only gives women a chance to connect with one another and to grow professionally, but it also allows women to relate and make personal connections.

“Always remember that one door opens when another door closes, but it is up to us to find another one to open,” said Serino, “In the face of adversity, women don’t get to run and hide.”

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Street Fair celebration June 28

Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.

Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less