SALT POINT — Blue and yellow flags seem to be popping up all over Millbrook lawns like sunflowers in the summertime these days, the national flower of the Ukrainian people the flags represent. They are especially prevalent along Franklin Avenue, as well as in the nearby village of Millerton and throughout the Harlem Valley.
Many of the symbols showing solidarity with the war-torn nation were created at The Country Postman in Salt Point, a hamlet of Pleasant Valley that is as much a part of Millbrook as any other community.
The copy shack and shipping center has been operating for more than 15 years from the Washington Hollow Plaza at 2517 Route 44.
Recently, much of the business’ time and energy has been redirected to fulfill needs beyond copying and shipping.
A frequent customer who preferred to remain anonymous recently approached store owner Ralph Simmons and front of the store manager Shyla Winter with a special request. She asked to print Ukrainian flags to place on local lawns to show support for the embattled nation.
The customer originally ordered 10 flags, upped the order to 20 and it’s grown from there. She’s had neighbors and friends place orders, too. Simmons extended her a large discount. Since then, many others have ordered the flags, said Simmons.
The blue and yellow flags are painted with the Ukrainian flag and come with or without an image of a sunflower. They’re 24-inches by 18-inches and include a metal stake to plant in the grass. They cost $14.98 with a percentage of the sales going to help Ukraine.
Simmons is donating part of the proceeds to the Afya Foundation, a nonprofit that collects unused but still viable medical supplies and equipment from the New York to send where it’s needed most. Currently, those supplies are going to Ukraine.
“I think there’s such a desperate need just now,” said Simmons. “I wish everyone would do this. It’s a small effort compared to what they actually need.”
By Saturday, March 26, 539 flags were sold, and $2,500 donated to Afya.
Afya Foundation estimates that 90% of its funding goes to direct aide.
Simmons is originally from Millerton and expanded his shipping business at the plaza through the years, building up to a staff with 12 employees.
The Country Postman ships everything from small books to fragile antiques to large furniture, all around the country and even abroad. The store is also copy and print shack and even restores old photographs. It also offers a courier service.
Simmons has contributed to charities before, such as Lucky Orphans and Angels of Light.
He said he “believes in doing good for humanity.”
To contact The Country Postman, call 845-677-1076 or go to www.countrypostman.com.
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.
