Helping Millbrook Fire Department celebrate its 115th anniversary

MILLBROOK — Rain showers put a slight damper on the first night of the Millbrook Fire Department’s (MFD) 2023 block party on Thursday, July 6, but Friday night was a fun night from start to finish, and clear skies for the Fireman’s Parade on Saturday, July 8, made attendees smile. After the parade there was food, karaoke, bingo, gambling and beer until midnight.

Thursday night featured music by the Rhythm and Blues Band from 7 to 11 p.m., with food, beer, games, a 50/50 raffle for adults as well as a bounce house, face painting and other events for children.

On Friday, July 7, the weather was better, and the crowds took advantage of that by strolling the area, playing bingo, gambling on wheel games, and having children’s faces painted, all while listening to the Jukebox Junkies band and cheering on their favorites for the cornhole tournament.

The final night included the Dutchess County Volunteer Firemen’s Convention dress parade, which started at 6 p.m. and went for almost a full hour.

MFD is celebrating its 115th anniversary this year, and the Auxiliary is 45 years old in 2023, so there was much to celebrate. Leading the parade was the MFD color guard, and the parade marshals, who were the past chiefs and past presidents. Included were Jon Wacker, Mike Massarone, Tony DeMarco, Chris Hawks, Jim Brownell, Ted Bownas, Laurie Olsen and Joan Van Tassell. They were followed by Village of Millbrook Mayor Tim Collopy, village trustees Mike Herzog and Peter Doro, and Town of Washington Supervisor Gary Ciferri.

After the VFW Post 9008 color guard came Dutchess County Volunteer Fire Association President Bob Boyles, Vice President John O’Brien and director Jack Schmidt.

The parade’s Division 1 included the New Hackensack, Amenia and Pleasant Valley fire departments; J.H. Ketcham Hose Company of Dover; Milan, Millerton, East Clinton and West Clinton, and Putnam Lake companies; and the Sharon, Connecticut, Pawling, Rhinebeck, Wassaic and Slater Chemical/Glenham fire departments.

Division 2 featured the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office color guard and a deputy with one of the K9 dogs. The Dutchess County Fire Investigation truck was followed by the City of Hudson, Stottville, Hughsonville and Montrose fire departments; the Chelsea, Roosevelt, Beekman, New Hamburg, Rombout, Union Vale and the Fair Chester Hose Haulers companies also participated. It is one of only two such parades still held in Dutchess County.

Following the parade, the block party continued with karaoke from 8 to 11 p.m. led by Let’s Jam Music out of LaGrangeville.  Many of those who participated in the parade met with friends, enjoyed the food and camaraderie, bet a few dollars, and participated in games and bingo in support of the Millbrook Fire Department.

The Patriots Marching Band from Rhinebeck, N.Y., marching with the Dutchess County Volunteer Firemen’s dress parade on Saturday, July 8, in Millbrook. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

From left, Kathleen Marshall, Roland Burlingame, Tony DiBonis and Kathi Shanks at the beer tent at the Millbrook Fire Department’s block party on Thursday, July 6. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

Food prepared and served at Amenia Tents included hot dogs, french fries, hamburgers and other party favorites at the Millerton Fire Department’s block party on Thursday, July 6. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

The Patriots Marching Band from Rhinebeck, N.Y., marching with the Dutchess County Volunteer Firemen’s dress parade on Saturday, July 8, in Millbrook. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

Latest News

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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rev. AJ Stack of St. Thomas announces resignation

The Rev. AJ Stack, center right, blessing a chicken at the pet blessing event at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amenia on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

AMENIA — After serving more than five years as Priest-in-Charge of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amenia, the Rev. AJ Stack announced Tuesday, Oct. 7, that he will resign from the church and Food of Life/Comida de Vida pantry. His last day at his current post will be Sunday, Nov. 2, the conclusion of the Feast of All Saints.

The news was shared in two emails from Stack — one to Food of Life pantry subscribers and volunteers, and another to parish members.

Keep ReadingShow less
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.

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.

Keep ReadingShow less