Generous spirit, generous community

Generous spirit, generous community
From left, back row, Millbrook Village Trustee and President of the Millbrook Business Association Kevin McGrane, Village Highway Superintendent Bob Collocola, Debbie Flanigan, Town Clerk Mary Alex, Forza Gym  owner Lori Decker, Abby Alex, and kneeling in front, Ivan Hernandez are among the volunteers who have been helping Millbrook Diner owners Debbie and Thanasi Theodoropoulos, not shown, through Serving Millbrook, distribute meals. 
Photo by Judith O’Hara Balf

MILLBROOK — Millbrook Diner owners Debbie and Thanasi Theodoropoulis have been donating hot meals seven days a week to the community through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. By mid-May, after nearly a month of giving away meals, more than 3,100 dinners had been served. 

Produce, eggs and milk have also been made available to residents in need from Locust Hill Farm, Marona’s Market, Stonewood Farms, Blue Barn BnB owner Joan LaCasse and others. 

A GoFundMe page, and donations from so many people in the town and village, have made it all possible. Other volunteers not shown in these photos include: Mike Flanigan; Morgan Varavaldi; Emma Sweeney; Leah Cornell; Ann Leady; Irene and Bill Wing; Lisa Lacey and her children, Matty, Stephen and Benjamin; and Robin Alexander. Also helping, Grace Church; and Dutchess County Legislator Deirdre Houston (R-25).

— Judith O’Hara Balfe

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Celebrating agriculture

Celebrating agriculture
Photo by Nathan Miller

PINE PLAINS — The Pine Plains FFA Ag Fair brought a crowd to the high school on Church Street Saturday, Oct. 11.

Kicking off the day was the annual tractor pull, attracting a dedicated crowd that sat in bleachers and folding chairs for hours watching Allison-Chalmers, International Harvesters and John Deeres compete to pull the heaviest weights.

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Local and County candidates to hold forum Oct. 24

Local and County candidates to hold forum Oct. 24

MILLERTON — Ten candidates for office in the Nov. 4 election will answer questions from Dutchess County voters at a candidate forum on Friday, Oct. 24, at the Annex at the NorthEast-Millerton Library located at 28 Century Blvd.

The forum, which is sponsored by the library, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

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elections

Koi harvest

Koi harvest
Photo by Leila Hawken

The “Elusive Ki Shusui” koi were temporarily relocated into a tub before being returned to their home pond at Maxine Pietro’s annual koi harvest at Broccoli Hall Farm in Amenia on Friday, Oct. 10. Speaking of their yellowish beauty, Pietro is pictured pointing out that the fish are scaleless but for scales that grow along the “zipper” on each fish’s dorsal ridge. The koi in the photo are estimated to be 6 or 7 years old.

community events

NECC’s Early Learning Program an oasis in Dutchess County’s child care desert

NECC’s Early Learning Program an oasis in Dutchess County’s child care desert

The North East Community Center's Early Learning Program uses the research-based Creative Curriculum, which features a flexible, play-based approach with lots of time outdoors.

Photo Provided

MILLERTON — In its third year, the North East Community Center’s Early Learning Program has become a vibrant, nurturing space for children and an invaluable resource for families in Dutchess County, an area identified as a child care desert by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. There are openings in both the toddler and preschool rooms for children ages 18 months to five years.

The ELP follows what’s known as the Creative Curriculum, a research-based early childhood program that builds confidence, creativity and critical thinking through hands-on, project-based learning.

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education