MILLBROOK — With spring just around the corner, this might be a fine time to explain to the children of Millbrook the story of Persephone and why we have seasons, according to Greek mythology.
The Millbrook Arts Group (MAG) sponsored a presentation of the Grumbling Gryphons Traveling Children’s Theater.
With a workshop before the show, “The Myth of Persephone: The Greek Myth of How the Seasons Came to Be” utilized American Sign Language (ASL), costumes, props, music and movement to tell the tale, with children taking active roles in the performance.
The story centered on Persephone, daughter of Demeter, who was kidnapped by Pluto and brought to Hades, the underworld. Because she had eaten while there, she could never return to Earth. But Zeus took mercy on Demeter because, in her sadness at losing her daughter, she had let her duties as goddess fail; Earth began to suffer with dying crops, barren animals, and cold and lifeless land. Zeus decreed that Persephone would spend six months in Hades and six months on Earth.
Thus, we have the beginning of how the seasons change and why, according to the tale, we have spring and summer, and then winter and fall. Further complications with Persephone later break the seasons down even more.
Performers included director and actress Leslie Elias and Vanessa Roe, who co-founded the troupe in 1980 and also co-authored the play. Actor and singer Daniel Saeed was also featured, as was Brian Bender, who played keyboard and trombone for live musical accompaniment. Costumes and masks were created by Ellen Moon and Robert Flanagan; Moon also created the scenery.
Eighty-two people attended the performance. Some of the children took on roles, and maybe one or two will find they love the theater, the music and the dramatic renderings of stories.
Mad Rose Gallery on Route 44 in the Village of Millerton is decked out with lights and decorations to celebrate the holiday season.
MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton is inviting residents and businesses to enter its annual house decorating contest, with judging now underway through Dec. 28.
Awards will be presented in several categories, including Best Lights, Most Creative, Best Overall and Best Commercial Front.
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges using established criteria. Creativity will be judged based on originality, variety of materials used and the use of homemade vs. commercially made decorations. Appearance will consider color coordination, balance and overall attractiveness, while effort will reflect the time and energy put into preparation and presentation.
Judging will be conducted by drive-by observation between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., and displays must be clearly visible from the street side of the house at night. People and pets may not be included as part of the design.
Winners in each category will receive a gift basket, gift certificates and recognition in The Millerton News. Awards will be distributed on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
The contest is open to residents and businesses in the Village of Millerton and the Town of North East. Entry forms can be obtained from Village Hall or at villageofmillerton-ny.gov.
The Upstate Celtic Allstars perform celtic versions of holiday tunes at Amenia Town Hall on Dec. 15, 2024.
AMENIA — Fast becoming a local holiday tradition, the Amenia Town Recreation Department is presenting a free concert by the Upstate Celtic Allstars on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Amenia Town Hall Auditorium, beginning at 2 p.m.
The five-member Celtic Allstars ensemble will rouse the audience to holiday cheer with a varied program of holiday tunes and rhythmic dance numbers. Appearing in the ensemble are Vermont’s Claudine Langille, vocals and banjo; Dave Paton, hammer dulcimer and concertina, Isa Simon, fiddle and vocals; Joseph Sobol, contemporary cittern (related to guitar); and Ambrose Verdibello, fiddle and guitar.
Refreshments will be served during intermission. Bring the whole family to revel in the lively festivities.
