Man sets powerlifting record, on track for world-wide record

Septuagenarian Mike Burch of Boston Corners set a powerlifting record on Sept. 3 in Oakville, Connecticut, when he deadlifted 500 pounds.
Photo by Michael Burch
BOSTON CORNERS — For Mike Burch, setting a powerlifting record is something that just had to happen.
On Sept. 3rd at the Steel Beach Gym in Oakville, Connecticut, Burch stepped up to the plate and deadlifted 500 lbs. — a record in his class at the World Powerlifting Association (WPA), which has been hosting competitions since 1989.
The thing about Mike: he’s 72 years old. Cutting a figure somewhere between a Viking and a fit Saint Nicholas, Burch’s accomplishment puts him among an elite class of lifters pushing the limits of possibility. Only ten other men have deadlifted over 500 lbs. in Mike’s category; most hover between 300-400 lbs.
Previously, Yuri Starkov had set the WPA-record for the Masters 70-74, 198 lb. category in April of 2019 by pulling 485 lbs. Worldwide, the record is held by Howard Myers who deadlifted 562.2 lbs. in November of 2018.
When asked what drives him to compete at such a high level, Burch cites his grandson, saying:
“My grandson got me out of the gym and back into competition. I started him out when he was two years old... he’s seventeen now, we’ve been lifting together for 15 years. He only weighs 125 and he’s pulling 300 lbs. deadlift. So he really inspires me.”
But powerlifting isn’t a recent passion for Mike Burch. He’s been in the game since 1956, when a childhood diagnosis of asthma drove him to find a way to improve his lung capacity — and from there, “it just kind of snowballed.”
Mike was a top-ranked powerlifter in the ’70s and ’80s, taking first place in the USPF Capital District Open in 1980 at the age of 29.
Forty-three years later, though his body may have aged, his drive has remained unchanged.
“It’s the same! I really haven’t changed. It’s the same mindset, I really haven’t changed! (laughter) I just get out there and do my thing.”
To stay healthy and pull off such astounding feats, Burch wakes up at 4 a.m., works out six-days a week, eats well, takes it slow, and is dedicated to good form. When asked how he keeps such a devoted schedule, Mike says:
“The key is I never stopped. That’s what the key is. I never stopped working out. I just kept going.”
As for what’s next, Burch plans to compete in the Nov. 12th American Powerlifting Association (APA) US Open Championships—and his goal is to pull 550 lbs., for which, “Everything’s on track. I just gotta stay healthy.”
Asked what motivates him to set these records, Mike answered: “I just have to do it.”
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
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.
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.
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.
“Kids are natural explorers,” said Emily Redmond, Early Childhood Programs Director. “Oftentimes, they tell us what they need to learn, so we leave plenty of room to follow the child.”
Before joining NECC, Redmond spent 13 years at Washington Montessori School in Connecticut, working in both classroom and administrative roles.
She explained that the Creative Curriculum allows teachers to stay flexible and build on children’s natural curiosity. For instance, worms appearing on the playground after a rainstorm can spark endless questions, leading to unexpected learning opportunities in math, science and beyond.
Redmond noted that children in the ELP practice pre-writing skills, work with small manipulatives to build fine motor skills, immerse themselves in nature and hone social-emotional skills. All the while, NECC’s team of educators understand that play is central to early childhood development.
One thing that sets the ELP apart from other child care programs, Redmond said, is “the mythical Chef Lenny.” Lenny Sutton, NECC’s longtime food service coordinator, prepares multiple meals and snacks for the kids each day in the on-site commercial kitchen, often using locally sourced ingredients. Known for his colorful aprons and bubbly personality, he has even been spotted in the classroom playing a few songs on the guitar.
So beloved is Chef Lenny that some students incorporate his role into their own play at home, pretending to cook and serve just like him. “Not many child care programs have an on-site chef to prepare daily meals,” laughed Redmond.
The only thing more colorful or bubbly than Chef Lenny is the new classroom fish tank, a favorite feature that provides both a calming presence and learning opportunities. A lively mix of fish adds to the ambiance, including several types of goldfish, a student-favorite pictus catfish, one powder blue gourami, a halfmoon blue betta, two dalmatian mollies and more.
The ELP is fully licensed by New York State, allowing NECC to accept state subsidies and help families access financial assistance.
“We truly value all forms of diversity, including socioeconomic diversity, and as a hallmark of NECC’s mission we strive to eliminate barriers to accessing quality education,” said Redmond, noting that the organization’s Family Programs department can provide support throughout the application process, including bilingual assistance.
NECC’s Early Learning Program is a New York Office of Children and Family Services-licensed day care center located at 11 Park Street in Millerton. Contact emily@neccmillerton.org for more information.