Volunteers with Townscape bring Millerton’s holiday glow to life, stringing lights along Main Street and preparing the towering tree at Routes 22 and 44 for the season.
MILLERTON – When the twinkling holiday lights appear throughout Millerton, it isn’t officials or a team of elves making the magic happen. It’s an all-volunteer group called Townscape, which spends an entire day testing and stringing lights, delivering boxes to businesses and raising every dollar needed to make it happen year after year.
Townscape was founded by Cathy Fenn, Renee Vollen and Jan Gilmor, three residents whose vision and community spirit helped shape the village’s appearance for more than two decades.
“I care about this village deeply. Townscape is my way of helping Millerton be the best it can be,” Fenn said.
Each year, Townscape installs holiday lights on both sides of Main Street across the business district, and on the towering tree at Routes 22 and 44. The lighting of that tree is reserved for the Festival of Lights, which happens right before the parade on the day after Thanksgiving. Donations from supporters cover the cost of installation and maintenance, helping Townscape fill the village with a cheerful winter glow.
“We hear all the time from people that they love coming to Millerton from Thanksgiving through March because it’s the brightest town – because of our lights,” said Townscape volunteer Christopher Baetz, who has volunteered since 2023.
The lights are stored through the winter, and in early November volunteers begin testing strand by strand. Townscape delivers boxes of lights to Main Street businesses so they can decorate their windows.
“As much as we can do, we do ourselves,” said volunteer Claire Goodman, who added that they outsource some of the higher branches to Stafford Tree Service, which assists each year with ladders, cherry pickers and equipment.
New this year is a garland of greenery along the Webatuck bridge, organized by artist and Townscape secretary Teri Goetz.
Originally formed as a volunteer committee in 1998 and officially adopted by the Village of Millerton as nonprofit in 2007, Townscape has long been a force for beautification and community pride.
“It’s not just the lights,” said Fenn. “There’s a lot that goes on between flowers, benches, tables and even serving as an advisory committee of sorts to certain projects in town. We have an absolutely fantastic group of volunteers on Townscape right now.”
The front door to the apartment building at 7-9 Main St. in downtown Millerton hosts a sign bearing the words "Unsafe Structure. Stay out." A fire in the basement that started in the furnace filled the building with carbon monoxide, prompting emergency responders to evacuate the building.
MILLERTON — As many as 18 people, including four children, were displaced early Saturday morning after a basement furnace fire sent carbon monoxide and smoke through an apartment building at 7–9 Main Street just before 4:45 a.m.
Emergency and fire crews from Millerton, Amenia and Lakeville, Connecticut, responded to the scene and evacuated residents from the building, located between the Harney Tea Room and the Mercantile Photo Gallery. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and ventilated the building. No injuries were reported.
Millerton Fire Chief Keith Roger said the fire was contained to the furnace before crews were able to extinguish it. The fire caused high amounts of carbon monoxide to spread through the building, he said.
Roger said he observed the basement filling with smoke after forcing entry. Following the evacuation, crews worked to ventilate the building.
“Everyone worked great together,” Roger said, adding that he is proud of his department and grateful for the support from surrounding communities.
The Town of North East Medic 1 and Northern Dutchess Paramedics also responded to the scene to provide any necessary emergency medical services.
The American Red Cross also responded later in the day and is supporting two of the families with temporary housing and additional assistance.
The building did not sustain structural damage, though it is unlikely residents will be able to return in the near future. Mayor Jenn Najdek said the village’s code enforcement officer is in contact with the building’s owner, but there is no timeline for reentry.
“I want to acknowledge the Millerton Fire Department for opening up the doors all day for the displaced residents, and all of the volunteers involved,” Najdek said.
Assisted by the Millerton Fire Department, residents were allowed to enter the building for five minutes at a time to retrieve essential items, a measure intended to prevent additional exposure. Roger said that while the building is currently uninhabitable, residents will be permitted to return to retrieve belongings as conditions allow.
Roger said he was relieved that no one was seriously injured but expressed concern for the families who were forced to leave their homes.
“It’s unfortunate with some of these types of buildings that don’t get the proper attention they need,” he said.
A community-wide effort to support the displaced families began Saturday morning, bringing together the fire department, village and town officials, staff from the NorthEast-Millerton Library and the North East Community Center (NECC), among others.
Village Deputy Mayor Matt Hartzog said he arrived on the scene at about 10 a.m. to provide hands-on assistance. Along with the Red Cross and NECC, he helped supply families with essential items, including blankets, towels, toothbrushes, and a debit card loaded with funds for basic necessities.
“This is really an example of the community coming together,” Hartzog said. He added that community members who wish to help can donate to NECC, which provides critical resources to local families and residents.
Town Councilman Chris Mayville spent most of the day Saturday working alongside the fire department and elected officials to support the displaced residents.
"You appreciate living in communities like ours in times like these when you really see people coming together," Mayville said. “No matter what role people were in, it was comforting to see everyone come together to help.”
Mayville said he was particularly grateful for the Millerton Fire Department, which received four additional calls on Saturday. “They would respond to another call and come back and pick right back up where they left off.”
Two displaced residents required accessible transportation assistance that could accommodate a wheelchair. Library Director Rhiannon Leo-Jameson and Town Councilwoman Meg Winkler worked to identify possible options and made calls for help.
"It is heartening that our community can just react on a moment's notice and work together to try to resolve obstacles," Winkler said.
Leo-Jameson agreed.
“Millerton has always been a community that steps up,” she said. “It’s heartwarming to see public officials coming together to help.”
File photo
MILLERTON — Environmental investigators recovered eight dead Canada geese from a pond in Millerton on Jan. 22, prompting testing for highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed in a statement that the birds are undergoing testing, though results were not available at press time.
Employees at Millerton Veterinary Practice reported finding the geese in a pond behind the business at 199 Route 44.
Bird flu remains widespread among wild bird populations in New York, according to information published by the DEC. The agency notes that there is no effective way to contain highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds.
Infected birds may be asymptomatic or may show signs of illness, including discharge from the nostrils or beak, lethargy, seizures, weakness or sudden death, according to the DEC.
DEC officials urge New York residents to avoid contact with birds that show signs of infection.
Residents who discover multiple dead birds are encouraged to report their findings to the agency. After a report is made, DEC staff determine whether retrieval and testing are necessary. The agency does not collect dead birds in every case.
Property owners should exercise extreme caution when handling carcasses that must be removed. DEC officials said they should wear gloves, masks and goggles, and avoid direct contact with the carcasses by using a shovel or other tools rather than hands. Clothing and skin should be washed with soap and warm water immediately after handling any bird carcasses.
Carcasses may be disposed of in outdoor trash cans, but they must be triple-bagged in either trash bags or contractor's bags.
According to the DEC, the current outbreak of bird flu among wild birds poses a low risk to the general public. In humans, bird flu infections are rare but can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness to severe respiratory disease.
Human cases are more commonly linked to exposure to domesticated birds or livestock, though transmission from wild birds remains possible.
Northeast Dutchess County residents are encouraged to report suspected bird flu deaths to the DEC through the NYSDEC Avian Influenza Reporting Form. For the form, click here.
The Millerton Village offices on North Elm Avenue.
“I urge you to be public in showing our community your moral compasses,” Millerton resident Eliot Ramos said. “Please show us that we have elected people who really do care.”
MILLERTON — Immigration enforcement became a central focus of the Village Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday, Jan. 27, which drew a group of residents who called on officials to take a public stance in support of vulnerable community members.
Following routine agenda items, community members used the public comment period to urge the board to publicly oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and affirm protections for local residents. It marked the fourth time in eight months that residents have appeared before the village board to urge action on immigration enforcement, with no significant action or policy change to date.
Mayor Jenn Najdek declined to comment following the meeting and would not say whether the board plans further discussions or next steps. Other trustees — Deputy Mayor Matthew Hartzog, Matt Soleau, and Daivd Sherman — did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
In contrast, Trustee Katie Cariello — who is several months into her first term on the board — made her position clear during the meeting and in a follow-up statement, saying she appreciated the group for holding local leaders accountable.
Cariello also acknowledged Joe Olenik’s dual roles as police chief and highway superintendent.
“This week's been really tough for lots of reasons,” Cariello said. “I just want to say, I hope we can keep snow out, and hopefully keep ICE out.”
In a statement, Cariello invited residents to continue the conversation by emailing her at katie.cariello@millertonny.gov.
“I heard our Police Chief say that he will uphold the law, and I believe that to be true,” Cariello said of the dialogue that occurred between Olenik and residents. “And I heard all of us say that we care about our neighbors and want everyone to feel safe.”
The village is not required to respond to public comments, but members of the board and the police chief engaged in a conversation with attendees and answered questions about hypothetical scenarios that could play out in Millerton.
Olenik said it is highly unlikely that ICE would notify the Millerton Police Department of their plans or request assistance given its part-time status and lack of involvement in immigration enforcement.
“If our police officers are present and another officer — whether federal, state, or sheriff’s department — was breaking the law and abusing somebody against the law, we would have to take action,” he said, though it was unclear whether that action would be through force in the moment or through a report and investigation.
“We treat all our people in this community with dignity, respect, and compassion,” Olenik added. “I won’t accept anything less than that from my officers.”
Nine residents used the public comment portion of the meeting to voice their concerns about what they described as increasingly violent and deadly immigration enforcement nationwide.
Resident Eliot Ramos, who has previously addressed the village board on the issue, read from prepared remarks, explaining that she was "extremely distressed and emotional.”
She asked the board and police department to take action, adding that she feels ready to lose faith in local elected officials if they do not commit to protecting the human rights and safety of all residents.
“I urge you to be public in showing our community your moral compasses,” Ramos said. “Please show us that we have elected people who really do care.”
Laura O'Loughlin also read prepared remarks that were co-written by what she described as a large group of Millerton and North East residents.
“We just want to keep naming that immigrants are not outsiders in our village,” O'Loughlin read, adding that they are coworkers, neighbors, business owners and friends who contribute to the strength of the community. “When they are targeted with fear, intimidation, or violence, it harms us all.”
O'Loughlin went on to express concerns about the national pushback on protesters by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy,” she read. “Responding to it with force, especially against communities that already face disproportionate scrutiny and harm, is unacceptable.”
North East resident Bill Kish spoke to the importance of civic responsibility.
“I feel that if there's one thing I can do — and that others can do — at this point in time, it's to speak to power at every level, starting with the people who are here in this room,” Kish said, gesturing toward the board.
He urged trustees to recognize that “people are sad and angry and scared,” asking them to carry those concerns up the chain of command.
Kish concluded the final 30 seconds of his allotted time with a moment of silence for the lives that have been lost at the hands of federal officials.
Police Chief Joe Olenik shared highway and police department reports, with trustees expressing thanks to the short-staffed highway crew, which continues to operate without its full fleet of vehicles. The department has been working with the Town of North East to borrow equipment as needed.
“Bob Stevens has been fantastic,” Olenik said of the town’s highway superintendent.
The board voted to amend its fee schedule for fire inspections, doubling the cost for commercial properties from $50 to $100, a change that Najdek said aligns with other municipalities.
Trustees also approved the village’s annual agreement with Dutchess County to participate in its DWI control campaign, which aims to prevent people from driving while under the influence.
Village budget discussions are expected to be held throughout February, following the circulation of an initial draft to trustees on Tuesday night by Lisa Cope, village clerk and treasurer.
The board once again delayed its State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) — a state-required process to evaluate potential environmental, social or economic impacts — related to planned upgrades at Veteran’s Park. The village is awaiting final designs from the engineer based on recent minor feedback from the county. Once those revisions are complete, Najdek said the project will be “ready to roll” and can go out for bid, adding that she hopes it won’t push back the targeted completion by Memorial Day.
The village is also expected to submit a letter of intent to apply for this year’s Community Development Block Grant funding, with the application deadline approaching on March 3. Trustees said the most likely use of the funding would be to complete additional sidewalk work, possibly on North Center Street.
Trustees spent a significant portion of the meeting discussing a proposed local law that would formally establish a new tree committee and allow Millerton to pursue national recognition as a Tree City USA. Village legal counsel attended the meeting to outline the requirements of the program.
Under the proposal, the village would be required to pass a local law designating responsibility for all public trees, adopt a formal tree management plan, set aside at least $2 per capita annually in the budget, and hold an Arbor Day observance each year.
The committee would consist of five volunteers to be appointed by the village board, with potential oversight from the town board or a town employee. Members will likely be able to join from throughout Dutchess County, though the hope would be to limit members to the village and town. Once the committee is established, the village could then apply for various funding and grants.
The Millerton 175th anniversary committee's tent during the village's trunk-or-treat event on Oct. 31, 2025.
MILLERTON — As Millerton officially enters its 175th year, the volunteer committee tasked with planning its milestone celebration is advancing plans and firming up its week-long schedule of events, which will include a large community fair at Eddie Collins Memorial Park and a drone light show. The events will take place this July 11 through 19.
Millerton’s 175th committee chair Lisa Hermann said she is excited for this next phase of planning.
“As we enter our anniversary year, there is a clear sense of excitement throughout the village and surrounding communities,” Hermann said. “Local businesses and organizations have been eager to get involved and help make this a truly special event for our community.”
Throughout 2025, committee members attended local events and gatherings to promote the celebration and hear ideas from businesses and residents.
Hermann said momentum continues to build as the committee works to finalize details and ensure the celebration honors Millerton’s rich history while remaining fun and engaging for all ages.
“It has been especially meaningful to hear longtime community members share stories from past celebrations and reflect on their cherished village memories,” she added.
In the months ahead, organizers plan to finalize vendors, secure additional sponsors, and continue spreading the word. Submissions are now open for musical acts, food truck vendors and sponsors wanting to promote their business while offsetting the cost of hosting such an event. Several sponsorship opportunities are available, including support for fair elements such as a stage, tent, activation and more.
The committee is also working with local businesses, including The T-Shirt Farm, to stock branded anniversary merchandise. Marketing efforts have increased, and members plan to attend more community events and seek opportunities to spread the word on TV, radio and printed materials.
Locals and visitors can follow updates on the committee’s Facebook page, which is beginning to reveal a schedule of events packed with family-friendly fun. Organizers hope people will share the page widely as a one-stop-shop for event information.
“This week-long celebration is shaping up to be another unforgettable chapter for our community,” Hermann said. “We hope the event itself will become one of the many memories that make Millerton such a wonderful place to call home.”
