Library cards and lanyards at the Millbrook Library

Library cards and lanyards at the Millbrook Library

Showing off her finished beaded lanyard designed to hold her library card, Riley Pizzuto of Millbrook was pleased to have participated in the craft session at Millbrook Library on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The crafting hour celebrated National Library Card Month.

Photo By Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — One of a continuing series of crafting sessions at the Millbrook Library, a children’s craft hour on Wednesday, Sept. 4 sought to teach children the art of creating beaded lanyards that could be simply decorative or have an added advantage of holding a library card. The event was in observance of National Library Card Month.

Having wrapped up her first day of school as a fifth-grade student at Alden Place Elementary School in Millbrook, Riley Pizzuto participated in the craft hour at the library, one of her favorite places to visit.

The craft hour was led by Kate Anderson, Children’s Literacy Coordinator at the library since July, 2022. She provided instruction and encouragement, although Riley was adept at selecting just the right beads for what she envisioned.

“I love new things,” Riley said, adding that she has five new paintings at home waiting to be hung and even has a devoted crafting area at home.

Assessing that she had “a great first day at school,” Riley responded to a question about whether she is the smartest student in her class.

“It depends on who’s asking,” she said.

Library Director Courtney Tsahalis spoke of the expanding importance of libraries within their communities in terms of the variety of services provided to visitors.

“A library card is one of the most valuable things a person can have, not just for books these days, but for programs and services,” Tsahalis said. “Some of the most important people in my life were librarians,” she added.

Anderson said that the crafting hours offering useful and easy crafts for all ages are scheduled for every Wednesday after school, beginning at 4 p.m. For a list of sessions, go to www.millbrooklibrary.org.

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