MILLBROOK — As with so many cities, towns and villages across America, when times get tough, people get together and do what they can to make things better. Today, however, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing people to keep their physical distance, getting together isn’t recommended, so communities have had to figure out other alternatives.
The Millbrook Central School District has been making sure students who rely on meals at school are getting breakfast and lunch each day, prepared by a faithful cafeteria crew and delivered by the First One school bus company. Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance Brian Fried thanked District Clerks Cheryl Sprague and Holly Heady for their hard work in arranging the meal deliveries.
St. Joseph-Immaculate Conception Church has advised that while no group Masses will be delivered, the church will be open everyday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for individual prayer; Mass will also be broadcast on cable Channel 22, Facebook and Youtube. Drive-through confessions will be heard on Saturdays from 3 to 5 p.m., with Fr. Bancroft on the church steps with a screen.
Grace Church will not hold meetings or services for the time being, but it will hold webcasts and offer other means of support. The Soup and Scriptures Class will resume via ZOOM conference. To be included, e-mail Pastor Matt Calkins at calkins@gracemillbrook.org or text him at 203-216-2287.
Lyall Memorial Federated Church invites all to join its Sunday services, being live streamed at 10:15 a.m. on the church’s website, www.lyallmemorial.org. The website will also post other updates.
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is closed and all programs are canceled for the time being, but it is opening up its trails and walking paths to the public as of March 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy the trails, and is asked to make sure no garbage is left behind; bathrooms will not be made available.
The Washington Town Hall closed on Friday, March 20, for a period of at least two weeks. Town workers will continue checking phone messages, e-mails and the regular mail. The town will continue to function with essential employees and the Town Park plans to open April 6. The Recreation Department urges residents to get out and enjoy the fresh air, but to maintain social distancing protocols. The transfer station will remain open, though that decision is described as “fluid” as of now.
The Millbrook Library remains closed, but it hopes patrons are using its e-resources. Go to www.millbrooklibrary.org for details. All fines will be waived when the library reopens.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC) Senior Agricultural Resource Educator Jennifer Fimble reminds everyone that farms are small businesses too, and many remain open. A list can be found at www.ccedutchess.org/agriculture.
The Millbrook Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office will be closed until further notice, as will all county DMV offices.
The Millbrook School’s Trevor Zoo is also temporarily closed; staff members are on hand to feed the animals, they are considered essential workers. There are no students at the private school, which has had its spring break extended to April 13 for the time being.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
