Easter services and events in the Harlem Valley

HARLEM VALLEY — Easter Sunday arrives this weekend, April 4. Although the coronavirus pandemic is still raging, and some fear a fourth wave, more than 3 million New Yorkers have already received their COVID vaccines as of Friday, March 26, and on Tuesday, March 30, the eligibility age dropped to 30; on April 6 it drops to 16. 

Those who haven’t been inoculated — as well as those who have, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — are hopefully continuing to wear their face masks, social distance, hand wash and follow all other proper hygiene rituals to ensure they and their loved ones stay healthy and safe.

Taking all of these health guidelines into account, a number of churches and other community organizations have gone ahead and planned for Easter services and other spring holiday celebrations this year (see special section on Page B1). Below is a list of some of the local events taking place, most in person and some virtually, a relief for those anxious to say hello to friend and neighbors, many not seen for months. 

The Millerton News both made inquiries of and sent out requests to organizations potentially holding events asking for submissions; we could only print the responses received by press time. What follows below, therefore, may not be a complete list of local activities. We recommended calling ahead to confirm all events before attending. 

Millerton

The Millerton Presbyterian Church invites everyone in the community to its Easter Sunday Service on April 4, at 9 a.m., in the sanctuary at 58 Main St., Millerton.  Social distancing and masks will be required.

In lieu of the annual Millerton Gun Club’s Easter Egg Hunt this year due to the health crisis, the Millerton Fire Company will be having an Easter Bunny Run for local children during the day on Saturday, April 3. 

Families that would like a visit with the Easter Bunny are advised to drop a note with their name, address and phone number in the mailbox installed in front of the firehouse at 24 Century Blvd. in Millerton by Wednesday, March 31.

Millbrook

St. Joseph-Immaculate Conception Catholic Church will hold a Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 1, at 7 p.m. Guests may visit the repository until 11 p.m.

On Good Friday, April 2, the church will hold a Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion at 4 p.m. and Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.

There will be a Blessing of the Easter Foods at 11 a.m. on Holy Saturday, April 3, and an Easter Vigil at 8 p.m.

The church will hold Easter Sunday Mass at 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m., noon and 5 p.m.

Grace Episcopal Church will hold Maundy Thursday Liturgy on April 1 at 7 p.m. Good Friday services will be on April 2 at 7 p.m. There will be a Great Vigil of Easter Saturday at the church on April 3 at 7 p.m. Easter Sunday Services will be held at Grace Church on April 4 at 10 a.m. Reservations are required; call the office at 845-677-3064.

Following Easter Services at 11 a.m., Grace Church will offer a Distribution of Communion in the Memorial Garden, an Easter Egg Hunt and refreshments.

Lyall Federated Memorial Church will hold Easter Sunday Sunrise Services on April 4 at Nine Partners Cemetery on Route 343 and Nine Partners Road at 8 a.m. 

Lyall Church will also hold a Mass at 10:25 a.m. on Easter Sunday; all services will be online and available on Zoom.

Masks and social distancing are required.

The Town of Washington Recreation Department will sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 3, from 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and from 11 to 11:20 a.m. 

The egg hunts are for pre-schoolers through third-graders living in the community and each child should bring their own basket; everyone who attends must wear a mask. 

The egg hunts will be held on the soccer fields at the Town of Washington Park. Parking will be available by the pool. 

Registration is required; go to www.washingtonny.org for more information and to pick a time slot. Registration is limited to 50 children; 25 will be allowed at each hunt.

Amenia

The Amenia Recreation Commission invites the community for some Easter fun on Saturday, April 3, at the town’s annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Start time will be at 10 a.m. sharp; the hunt will be held at Beekman Park, located at 5270 Route 44. This year’s event is sponsored by Silo Ridge Field Club, Dutchess County Realty, Rebillard Public Relations, Amenia Four Brothers Pizza Inn and Jack’s Auto Service.

Though admission is free, families must pre-register at www.ameniany.myrec.com. 

COVID-19 restrictions will apply and all families that attend the event must wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

Pine Plains

The town of Pine Plains has already held its Easter Egg Hunt.