MILLBROOK — For many children, one of their first times picking up a book all on their own is at their local library. And much of what they learn through their young lives, and what they see and hear at their library, becomes the basis throughout their academic careers. That includes everything from socialization to learning about a wide variety of subjects to participating in fun hands-on activities.
The Millbrook Library has long offered a varied and exciting array of programs for local youth. This year, after more than two year of COVID-19 programming that was drastically restricted, is library was able to re-institute a lot of its fan favorites and start up some new offerings, many in person.
After a few years at the library, the popular Children’s Literacy Coordinator Miss Abbey is now gone. She left to pursue other goals, but has young library patrons are in the very capable hands of Kate Anderson, the new children’s literacy coordinator.
With a wide smile and evident enthusiasm, Anderson is a perfect fit in the library’s Children’s Room, said Milbrook Library Director Courtney Tshalis. Building on programs already in place, Anderson is taking on the storytelling role, encouraging budding friendships and directing arts and crafts for little fingers and eager minds.
Anderson said she is excited about the job she started July 5. She recently made the switch from nearby Merritt Books and Toys in the village, just a few blocks away.
“I am honored to be joining the Millbrook Library as the children’s literacy coordinator, and am eager to connect with children and families in our community,” she said, “to both enjoy time together and to learn how best be of service. Please stop in.”
She added she’s enjoying the new role; she has plenty of hands-on experience already as a mom of two. She home-schooled one of her children for a time and worked extensively in a day care, in summer camps and has also done dome nursing, so clearly has a nurturing side to her.
While Anderson said she thoroughly enjoyed working at Merritt and misses the bookstore, she is exciting to be working at the library.
Merritt owner Kira Wisner was also sad to see Anderson leave, but happy for her, too.
“You made the right choice,” Wisner said she told her. “You’ll be great at it.”
Anderson said she’s still “getting the lay of the land” at the library and looks forward to meeting all of the library’s patrons — young and young at heart.
While her own taste in reading leans toward the eclectic, enjoying fantasy and enjoys audio books, she enjoys reading to children. And there are so many other activities to offer at the library, like a bank of computers available for children to use, thanks to a recent grant. There are also plenty of toys, like large stuffed turtles and a stuffed Labrador. Of course, lots of books and tapes for budding minds, and fun events like movie nights.
“I’m very excited to have Kate join our library team,” said Tshalis. “Even though she has only just started, I know that her creativity and kindness will be a wonderful asset to the children in our community.”
For details, go to www.millbrooklibrary.org or call 845-677-3611.
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.
A large collection of food was on offer from the Pine Plains FFA and each one of the classes in the Pine Plains Central School District. The football team was selling pickles.
Stissing Mountain High School Principal Christopher Boyd enjoyed a dip in the dunk tank to raise money for the Pine Plains teachers’ union-sponsored scholarship.
Stissing Mountain High School Principal Christopher Boyd got dunked several times during his half-hour shift in the dunk tank. Proceeds from the throws benefitted the Photo by Nathan Miller
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.
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.
“I write tonight with difficult news, and I wanted you to hear it from me as soon as the Vestry and I had a chance to meet,” he wrote. “After much prayer and careful discernment, I have submitted my resignation to the Vestry as Priest-in-Charge of St. Thomas, and therefore as Executive Director of Food of Life/Comida de Vida.”
Stack provided few details about his departure. At time of publication, he had not announced his next steps but said the decision was “not sudden,” and followed careful consideration over a period of months. He will not be leaving the area or the diocese.
An announcement about his path forward and the transition process is expected soon. In the meantime, Stack said he remains “fully present” at the church, and the food pantry services will continue without interruption.
Stack expressed gratitude for the community and the growth of St. Thomas’ mission during his tenure. “Together we have welcomed new neighbors and strengthened our outreach in meaningful ways,” he said. “I trust that good work will continue.”
He joined St. Thomas in March 2020 and guided the church and community through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent interview with The News about the food pantry, Stack estimated that it serves 653 individuals from 156 households each week, highlighting a significant contribution to the community.
The announcement was met with messages of reassurance from pantry volunteers. Jolly Stewart, a Vestry member and volunteer, wrote to the community with words of reassurance following the announcement. “I have complete faith in the strength of the parish of St. Thomas,” she wrote. “Our history shows how we have done this time and again, each time becoming more than what we were before. We can, without a doubt, do this now.”
MILLERTON — Ten candidates for office in the Nov. 4 election will answer questions from Dutchess County voters at a candidate forum on Friday, Oct. 24, at the Annex at the NorthEast-Millerton Library located at 28 Century Blvd.
The forum, which is sponsored by the library, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Candidates for local and county offices will answer questions from residents in attendance or from residents who have submitted questions in advance.
“We’re excited to keep the tradition of the candidate forum going,” said Rhiannon Leo-Jameson, director of the library. “Some years we can’t always get candidates together.”
This year’s forum will include:
Rachele Grieco Cole, a Democrat, and Chris Mayville, a Republican, who both are running uncontested for the North East Town Council;
Casey McCabe, a Democrat, also running uncontested for North East Justice.
Among Dutchess County races:
Tracy MacKenzie, who is endorsed by Republicans and Democrats, is running uncontested for Dutchess County Family Court Judge;
Kara Gerry, a Democrat, and Ned McLoughlin, a Republican, are in a contest for a Dutchess County Court judgeship currently held by McLoughlin.
Chris Drago, D-19, and Tonya Pulver, a Republican, are competing to represent Dutchess County’s19th District seat currently held by Drago.
Democratic incumbent Dan Aymar-Blair and Will Truitt, the Republican chair of the county legislature, are competing for the Dutchess County Comptroller position currently held by Aymar-Blair.
Leo-Jameson is encouraging questions for the candidates to be submitted in advance, which will not be revealed to candidates beforehand. Dutchess County residents may pose questions during the forum. To submit a question on the library’s website, go to the calendar at nemillertonlibrary.org and find the link in the Oct. 24calendar entries.
The format calls for opening statements from the candidates, followed by questions from residents, and candidates will be able to stay after the forum to answer questions personally.
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.
