Letters to the Editor - The Millerton News - 6-9-22

Clock should not be silenced for Airbnb’s

The village of Millerton’s clock hasn’t been heard chiming the hours for quite a while. Many residents thought that it was due to mechanical or other such issues, but that seems not to be the case. It seems that the clock’s chiming was disturbing the sleep of Airbnb visitors, and their complaints caused the chimes to be silenced.

These guests were most likely more surprised to be actually able to hear anything at all, especially those coming from places where the noise level would make it nearly impossible to hear a clock chiming at any hour of the day or night.

This clock atop our clocktower is a local landmark of historical significance to the residents of Millerton, and is featured on the village logo.

Years ago, a special town-wide ceremony was held on the Village Green to celebrate the repair and refurbishment of the clock and its chimes, and descendants of the clock maker were in attendance that day.

As such, shouldn’t any change to the clock’s chiming warrant a public discussion so that residents would have the opportunity to express their thoughts on the matter before any changes were enacted?

Betty Morrison

Millerton

Celebrate LGBTQ
Pride in Millbrook

On a late summer afternoon in the Village of Millbrook in 2016, several LGBTQ+ neighbors gathered for a social hour at another neighbor’s backyard. We shared stories about how wonderful and supportive the community in Millbrook was and how amazing it would be to celebrate Pride in Millbrook.

The planning began and, before we knew it, everything was set. Our first Millbrook Pride Social took place on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the former Aurelia’s on Franklin Avenue.

We invited the entire community and to our surprise the turnout was triple of what we expected. Now, five years later, post-pandemic, we are thrilled to be able to host and celebrate Pride with a Picnic Social at Millbrook Vineyards and Winery on Sunday, June 12th, from 1 to 4 p.m.

There will be ribbons awarded for the top three most creative Pride picnic designs. ALL are welcome as we continue to build community, diversity and most importantly an awareness of the growing LGBTQ+ presence in Dutchess County.

Visit @millbrookpride on Instagram for updates about current and future events happening in and around Millbrook.

Eric Salas

Millbrook

Volunteers made Memorial Day special

On Saturday, May 28, despite brief downpours, five volunteers (myself, Margie O’Brien, Amenia Town Councilman Leo Blackman, Marsha Kauffman, and Eric Eschbach) planted flowerpots and beds at Fountain Square in Amenia. Red, white and blue flowers and the central water fountain set the stage for the parade and ceremony on Memorial Day.

On Monday morning, American flags lined East Main Street, courtesy of the Amenia Fire Department.

Madison Fletcher, commander of VFW Post 5444, led the parade and ceremony.

Cassandra Whitehead, a Webutuck High School and Bard College graduate, sang beautifully the National Anthem and God Bless America.

Cmdr. Fletcher’s daughter, Brooklyn, was in charge of laying a wreath at the base of the war memorial, and prayers were offered by Father Wilson from Immaculate Conception and VFW Post 5444 Chaplain Nick Woodard, who also played taps on his bugle.

Several speeches, including remarks from town Supervisor Victoria Perotti, paid tribute to our veterans.

Thanks to all who found many various ways to extend heartfelt support and gratitude for our veterans.

Please consider joining Amenia’s Enhancement Committee or other local boards and committees as part of your civic activities. It is a great (and essential!) way to keep our grass roots democratic traditions and infrastructure vibrant and strong.

Vicki Doyle

Amenia Town
Councilwoman

Wassaic