MILLBROOK — Courtney Tshalis, the director of the Millbrook Library, said she was so moved by what Ukraine is experiencing right now while under attack by Russia, that she wanted to help. She wanted to somehow get the library and the Millbrook community involved.
Tshalis got in touch with Dutchess County Departments of Emergency Response and Public Works, which were working with the not-for-profit Afye Foundation, which “collects unused medical supplies and equipment from throughout the New York metro area and gives them a second life,” according to its website, www.afyafoundation.org. The state is working with Afye to collect the much-needed items for Ukraine and the now 2 million refugees fleeing the war-ravaged nation.
Tshalis set up a station to collect donations from the community at the library in March. People donated flashlights and batteries; diapers; deodorant; shampoo; face masks; hand sanitizers; health supplies; and personal hygiene items.
The feedback was great, said Tshalis, who personally delivered the donations to the J.C. Penney site at the Galleria Mall in Poughkeepsie. From there the items were taken to the Afye Center in Yonkers for shipment to Ukraine.
Tshalis said she was touched by community’s response to the library’s plea for donations, and not at all surprised by the generosity of Millbrook residents, noting they always come through in times of need.
Dutchess County likewise held a large supply drive for Ukraine just last week, with great results.
— Judith O’Hara Balfe
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.
