Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Millbrook schools hold Flag Day tribute

MILLBROOK — Students from the Millbrook Central
School District’s Alden Place Elementary School and Elm Drive Elementary School joined together to honor Flag Day on Friday, June 18. New York recognizes the second Sunday of June as Flag Day, which this year was Sunday, June 12. 

On the 18th, Elm Drive Principal Michael Setero introduced Army Reserve veteran Doris Zerafa, who served for more than 20 years and now works in the cafeteria at Elm Drive. 

Zerafa, with the help of two volunteer Scouts from Millbrook High School, explained how to properly take care of the American flag to the students. She also spoke about the history of the flag and what it means to our country.  

The veteran also explained that when a flag is taken out of service it is folded 13 times, with each fold representing an American ideal or tribute. The students were surprised to learn that the flag is then burned and the ashes are buried.

— Judith O’Hara Balfe

Doris Zerafa served in the United States Army Reserves for more than 20 years and now works in the Elm Drive Elementary School cafeteria in Millbrook. Pictured left is Zerafa with Boy Scout Billy Tompkins and Girl Scout Madeleine Marchant, both students at Millbrook High School, as they prepared to retire the American Flag in honor of Flag Day. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

Students from both Elm Drive and Alden Place Elementary Schools sang the National Anthem. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

Doris Zerafa served in the United States Army Reserves for more than 20 years and now works in the Elm Drive Elementary School cafeteria in Millbrook. Pictured left is Zerafa with Boy Scout Billy Tompkins and Girl Scout Madeleine Marchant, both students at Millbrook High School, as they prepared to retire the American Flag in honor of Flag Day. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe
Millerton News

Latest News

Local Matters - October 2026

Local Matters - October 2026

Download directly

Dinner with the dog

Dinner with the dog
Georgie, enjoying a late-summer “pup cup” on the porch at Grassland Dessert Cafe in Lakeville.
Natalia Zukerman

Dog owners know the dilemma: You’re out for the day with your four-legged sidekick when hunger strikes. Fortunately, a number of area restaurants, cafés and breweries welcome dogs, mostly at outdoor tables. Policies and outdoor seating can change with the season, so calling ahead is always a good idea.

The White Hart and Provisions in Salisbury is particularly pet-friendly. The inn welcomes pets on request, and its front porch and sprawling lawn make inviting places to settle in with a canine companion. They even welcome well-behaved patrons — bipedal and quadruped alike — in the cozy dining area.

Keep ReadingShow less
pets

A day in the life of a rescue dog

A day in the life of a rescue dog

Marsala is eager to go home with you.

Jennifer Almquist

“It’s unbelievable that this sweet, loving boy hasn’t found his home yet,” said Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager of The Little Guild, whose mission is to rescue, love and heal homeless cats and dogs. She smiled at the small dog wagging his tail. “This is one of the most deserving dogs you could ever meet, with so much love to give.”

Marsala is an energetic, 1-year-old, 45-pound black Labrador mix waiting to be adopted. He arrived March 25 as a stray named “Chicken” from Toccoa, Georgia.

Keep ReadingShow less
pets
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

A second chance in Wingdale

A second chance in Wingdale

Sampson, a playful and independent blind hound mix, explores the rescue’s large yard.

L. Tomaino

Meade Canine Rescue and Sanctuary is not the average rescue. Situated on a quiet dirt road on 8 acres in Wingdale, the dogs living there are, for the most part, uncaged, roaming the yard, sleeping in the house, resting in the shade of a tree or lounging in the open van that often takes them for rides.

“We go on lots of adventures,” said the rescue’s founder, Charlotte Meade.

Keep ReadingShow less
pets

The bear necessities of living in bear country

The bear necessities of living in bear country

A bear outside Cornwall Consolidated School in West Cornwall.

D.H. Callahan
Take down bird feeders when bears are active. Secure garbage cans left outside, and never leave pet food or trash on porches, screened-in or otherwise.

This here is bear country. In fact, Connecticut has an unusually high rate of bear home entries compared with neighboring states. So far this year, the state has documented more than 60 home entries, and bears have been spotted in all 169 towns and cities.

Bears are also part of life in neighboring Dutchess County. But don’t worry. It’s not as bad as it sounds.

Keep ReadingShow less
wildlife

When your pet needs help after hours

When your pet needs help after hours

Newtown Veterinary Specialists

Provided

Anyone who has ever had a dog swallow something it shouldn’t, a cat suddenly struggle to breathe or a pet get hurt late at night knows how quickly panic can set in. In our corner of the world, there’s an added complication: emergency veterinary care may mean getting in the car and driving some distance.

That makes it worth knowing your options before you need them — and knowing the difference between a local veterinary practice that can handle an urgent case and a fully staffed, 24-hour emergency hospital.

Keep ReadingShow less
pets
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.