MILLBROOK — A festive wine and hors d’oeuvres reception opened the traditional Friends of the Library Holiday Silent Auction on Friday, Dec. 5. Area residents took advantage of the opportunity to survey the more than 120 items being auctioned. Bidding will remain open until Saturday, Dec. 20, when the auction will end with another reception and an opportunity for last-minute bidding between 3:30 and 5 p.m.
Auction chairperson Sam Falk indicated that all auction proceeds support the library’s special projects that are not included in the normal operating budget.
“I’m always amazed at the generosity of the community,” Falk said, as she prepared the opening, looking after the final touches.
Although this year’s event marks 17 years of the Holiday Auction, the years have not been consecutive, Falk said, because of the hiatus brought by the pandemic.
Keeping the refreshment table refreshed at the opening reception for the Holiday Silent Auction on Friday, Dec. 5, were Robert McHugh, President of the Millbrook Historical Society, and Sam Falk, chairperson of the auction.Photo by Leila Hawken
The event coincided with the popular Parade of Lights in Millbrook, making the evening a true community event.
Falk said a core group of roughly 10 committee members took on a variety of responsibilities, including securing donated auction items, managing publicity, and overseeing event preparations.
Items being auctioned include a family membership and private tour of Innisfree Garden, personal training sessions and classes at Kyle’s Functional Fitness, 100 gallons of heating oil from Taylor, a weekend stay at Albanhaus Kennel for a pet, dinner for two at Stissing House,dinner for two at Panacea, a variety of gift baskets, antiques, fashion accessories and a range of gift certificates from leading local merchants.
Several local businesses provided support for the event, including Central Press, Bank of Millbrook, Marona’s, Matt’s Auto Body, Millbrook Winery, and Wes’ Autobody.
For more information about the Holiday Silent Auction and to see a complete list of auction items, go to millbrooklibrary.org/holiday-silent-auction/.
According to Patrick Trettenero, executive director of the Stissing Center, “This year’s programming is inspired by our commitment to bring people together through the shared experience of arts and culture. It’s a lively mix of musical styles — from roots, classical, world, rock and jazz — to our always-popular singer-songwriter series, with more than 50 music events to choose from.”
In addition to music, the season includes theater and dance. Highlights include the Hudson Valley Puppet Slam and the Roundtop Burlesque Revue, along with dance performances ranging from flamenco to Irish step. A film series will showcase the indie comedy favorite Hundreds of Beavers and a live-score screening of the beloved silent Charlie Chaplin classic The Kid. The season also includes free programs for children all summer, along with community events and family-friendly fare.
The 2026 season also marks the launch of The Grace Note, an intimate venue located downstairs at the Stissing Center that will serve as an inviting and informal entry point to mainstage shows. The Grace Note will be open every Friday night and will feature singer-songwriters, stand-up comedy, jazz quartets, play readings, storytelling and more.
Natalia Zukerman will open the series at The Grace Note, the new space at The Stissing Center on Feb. 13.Sarah Blodgett
The venue is part of the center’s commitment to offering a place for locals and visitors alike to gather and discover new work, hear familiar voices in new ways and enjoy a great night out in the neighborhood. The Grace Note opens Feb. 13 with a performance by local singer-songwriter Natalia Zukerman, who is also the Lakeville Journal and Millerton News’ arts, lifestyle and engagement editor. Her masterful musicianship and storytelling blend folk, blues and Americana with wry humor and emotional clarity, creating an experience that feels both personal and expansive. Zukerman said, “I’m honored to be opening the season in this beautiful new room at The Stissing Center. The Grace Note opens up lots of creative opportunities for the Center, for performers and for our community. It’s thrilling.”
“We are very intentional about this season and the launch of The Grace Note,” Trettenero added. “Our goal is simple: to make the Stissing Center a place for people of all backgrounds and perspectives to come for great arts experiences, to support outstanding artists and to offer a place for connection and shared humanity through the arts.”
The full season schedule and tickets for all events are available at thestissingcenter.org or by calling 518-771-3339.
