MILLERTON — “A beautiful celebration in this beautiful town” is how Millerton Police Department Chief Joseph Olenik described his first experience of the series of sites and ceremonies on a weather-perfect Monday, May 29, as people gathered to commemorate area residents who fought and sometimes died in faraway wars.
From the Millerton firehouse, the convoy of fire engines and some farm vehicles wove south and west, from the old blue church down Main Street/Route 44, eliciting cheers and applause from the hundred of attendees crowding the sidewalks. Children dashed into the street to gather handfuls of candies thrown from trucks.
Traffic on Route 22 was briefly halted as the procession made its way to the Irondale Cemetery, where Dr. Julian Strauss gave a benediction and veteran Sean Klay raised the flag with the help of young boy. Three shots were fired into the air and taps was played first by student trumpeter Sebastian Melchor-Agustin then by Webutuck Central School District music teacher Eric Wiener.
Back at Veterans’ Park, Klay and Strauss performed the same duties, noting that this year, the village’s commemoration of veterans was the 135th “as far as we know,” dating back to 1888’s event—then called Decoration Day—led by the Grand Army of the Republic, formed after the Civil War. Strauss reminded listeners that for every warrior lost, there were mothers and children left behind, sometimes in dire straits.
Mayor Jenn Najdek’s official proclamation of the festivities was somewhat truncated by the 11 a.m. bells, and the community listened respectfully as Klay paid tribute to Robert Liner, whose links to Millerton were many, though he is buried in Sharon with his parents.
The Webutuck Music Warriors played “God Bless America” with a satisfying ending aided by the tuba. Bell-ringing for individuals lost in wars from World War II to the recent war on terror, and a touching roll call in which those present responded, and names of the recently deceased were read twice with dates of their passing noted, rounded out the official ceremony.
As taps was played a final time, one of the band students collapsed, possibly due to ‘locked knee syndrome’ causing reduced blood circulation, according to EMT and coach Aaron Howard, though heat and a heavy instrument could have exacerbated that. Those present attended to her and released the perimeter fencing to allow access to a stretcher. The student was expected to recover fully.
“We had such a fun party for her,” said AMP founder and artistic director Ellen Griesedieck. “I am excited for what is next for Amy and grateful for every moment she has invested in her work at AMP.”
Wynn, who previously led the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, said her decision to step down came after careful reflection.
“It’s time for me to shift into the next phase of my career, which will call upon my 40-plus years of nonprofit experience to do project work,” she said. “I’ve absolutely loved my time at AMP.”
Visitors to the American Mural Project.Sky Johnson
Under Wynn’s leadership, AMP expanded education programs, deepened community partnerships and oversaw key milestones in the creation of its monumental centerpiece — a three-dimensional mural stretching 120 feet long and five stories high — celebrating American ingenuity, industry and collaboration.
“Through all these years, Amy has worked with tireless enthusiasm for AMP, running day-to-day operations and guiding the overall direction of our mission,” Griesedieck said.
During Wynn’s tenure, AMP evolved from a concept into a dynamic cultural campus. She helped professionalize its structure, solidify its funding base and develop programs that drew visitors from across the state and beyond.
“The work she has accomplished, the hours of overtime she has logged, the mountains we have climbed together since that moment are many and miraculous,” Griesedieck said.
AMP also weathered challenging times, including the pandemic, which forced arts organizations to rethink audience engagement. Wynn guided the team during that uncertain period with a steady hand.
To ensure a smooth transition, AMP has brought on Renee Chatelain of RMCreative Solutions, LLC, an experienced consultant, attorney and arts administrator who previously worked with AMP on its capital expansion planning.
Chatelain will serve as interim executive director while a national search is conducted for AMP’s next leader.
“A longtime friend, Renee comes to us with a depth of knowledge on executive transition,” said Griesedieck. “As an attorney, a leader of several arts organizations and a classically trained dancer, she is particularly well-suited for this interim role.”
Though stepping down, Wynn said she will continue her work in the nonprofit field in a more flexible, project-based capacity.
“I’ll be seeking consulting projects with other nonprofits, assisting with grant work and strategic planning,” she said. “What I enjoy most is leading a collaborative effort and finding solutions to challenging problems.”
Sky Johnson
Even as AMP bids farewell to Wynn, its focus remains on the future. The next phase of development will focus on converting a second mill building into expanded programming and community space.
“The next step has got to happen,” Griesedieck said. “It’s absolutely what the Northwest Corner needs — a place for the community to congregate.”
The proposed expansion would create flexible areas for performances, workshops and public events, further establishing AMP as a cornerstone of the regional arts scene.
With community support and grants, AMP hopes to carry forward Wynn’s momentum into a new era.
“She is not leaving,” Griesedieck said. “Amy will always be here for us.”
Founded in 2001, the American Mural Project was conceived as a tribute to the American worker — a celebration of skill, creativity and perseverance. The mural, the largest indoor collaborative artwork in the world, was created with contributions from thousands of children, artists, teachers, tradespeople and volunteers nationwide.
Today, AMP offers tours, workshops, lectures and performances, all rooted in its mission: to inspire, invite collaboration and reveal the contributions people of all ages can make to American culture.
As Wynn turns the page, her legacy — from her calm, strategic leadership to the collaborative spirit she fostered — remains woven into the fabric of AMP’s story.
