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.
Customers peruse jewelry and art at a vendor’s station during Millerton’s 175th Fair on Friday, July 17.
“Overall, I think we did get pretty lucky,” Hermann said. “We never had to shut down at any point.”
Organizers also contended with smoke from Canadian wildfires, which blanketed the area Wednesday afternoon, July 15. The smoke prompted the planned yard party at the Millerton Inn on Main Street to be postponed by a day, but Hermann said it was the only event significantly affected by air quality concerns.
The rain on Saturday forced some attractions, including face painting and musical performances, under the pavilion at Eddie Collins Memorial Park to protect equipment and keep visitors dry.
Despite the rain Saturday, the parking lot at Eddie Collins Memorial Park filled once again on Sunday afternoon as families and community members enjoyed a petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses, food and drink from local bars, breweries and restaurants, and live music on the lawn all afternoon.
Last weekend’s fair — the culmination of a week-long celebration that began with a parade and groundbreaking for the planned new pool a week prior — kicked off Friday afternoon, July 17, with community organizations and vendors setting up shop in the park.
Attendees trickled in during the afternoon before swelling in numbers Friday evening as a drone light show began at 9:30 p.m.
Hermann cited excitement for the village’s future as a highlight of the week’s events. Attendees to the park for the drone show admired the painted outline of the planned pool and cheered when the lighted drones depicted a cheerful child jumping into a pool from a shaking diving board.
The drone light show traced significant moments in Millerton’s history while also highlighting future projects. Hermann said her biggest takeaway was seeing attendees celebrate the village’s past while embracing what comes next.
“There were some aspects of the celebration that also had to do with the pool and the next steps for Millerton,” Hermann said. “Seeing people get really excited about that — like the painting on the grass that 3M did — I think it was really great.”
Hermann expressed gratitude for the volunteers and village officials who helped organize the week-long celebration. She credited the community members who served on the Millerton 175th Committee with staying committed to the project over the past two years.
She also thanked Village Hall employees and members of the highway department for their assistance with the fair, the week’s events and preparations leading up to the celebration.
“There are so many people in the community that stepped up to make this possible,” Hermann said. “It wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
Photo by Nathan Miller
Millerton native Ronnie Reed headlines a comedy show at Eddie Collins Memorial Park on Thursday, July 16.
Co-Interim Executive Director and Board Chair Irene Banning praised attendees and donors for contributing to the organization’s work in a year that has seen high-ranking staff departures and the closure of the organization’s childcare program.
“This has been a challenging year for NECC,” Banning said. “But we are standing strong, working on finding an executive director and looking into an exciting future.”
Banning further praised the organization’s staff, saying NECC’s success would be impossible without the employees’ dedication to building community and supporting neighbors.
She championed NECC’s mission and expressed gratitude for the organization as a whole, as well, describing it as a refuge where she can contribute to good in the community.
“It is the place where I get to be a part of doing good, of caring for the members of our communities,” Banning said. “And being a part of making people’s lives feel less unsettled and more balanced.”
Following Banning’s remarks was an address from her counterpart, Julie Fajgenbaum, who is sharing the workload as co-interim executive director, while the organization searches for a replacement for former Executive Director Christine Sergent. Sergent resigned from her position at the organization in March 2026.
Fajgenbaum detailed some of the work NECC does, including giving away 15,000 diapers to 25 area families so far this year.
“That’s lightening the financial load for those new parents and allowing them to spend on other things like formula,” Fajgenbaum said.
But she acknowledged that the year’s successes have also exposed a downside — pointing to 19 additional families that remain on the waitlist for free diapers from the organization.
Other statistics underscore the challenges NECC faces in the coming year. The organization’s food pantry served 1,000 people in April alone, reflecting the growing financial pressures many households face as food and fuel costs continue to rise.
Fajgenbaum once again pointed to the benefactors taking part in the day’s fundraising, praising them for coming together to support the NECC’s mission to serve northeast Dutchess communities.
“Today is most definitely a high,” Fajgenbaum said. “We’re so grateful that you’re here with us. I don’t know what we would do without you.”
Following Fajgenbaum’s remarks, local auctioneer CK Swett led the annual “paddle raise,” a lightning-round fundraiser where donors raise auction paddles to commit to donations ranging in increments from $100 to $50,000.
This year’s paddle raise resulted in at least $403,500 in donations to the charitable organization after just 15 minutes of auctioneering.
“This is a community effort, this is a collective effort,” Swett said. “And we will help the community together.”
Photo by Nathan Miller
Benefactors enjoy hors d’oeuvres and live music in the morning sun on Sunday, July 19, at Millbrook School.
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About to begin dispensing ride tickets at the opening day of the annual Millbrook Fire Dept. Carnival on Wednesday, July 15, the ticket booth was a focus for visitors as they awaited the opening and the start of the rides.
At 6 p.m. sharp, over a dozen fire apparatus, marching bands, and firefighters began rolling and marching through the heart of Millbrook from Front Street to Maple Avenue. Millbrook Mayor Peter Doro also marched in the parade with his two young boys, both waving American flags.
Games of chance were set up and ready to go on opening day of the annual Millbrook Fire Dept. Carnival on Wednesday, July 15.Photo by Leila Hawken
The smell of burgers and the sound of rides filled the carnival as goers waited in lines, ate cotton candy, played games, and got their faces painted. Rain didn’t stop the party, as people took the break to eat, dance or try their hand at ring toss.
The final day began with a parade that featured marching bands, fire trucks and apparatus, and firefighters from across Dutchess County. Afterwards, onlookers travelled to the carnival.
Fire departments that participated in the parade were judged across various categories with over 10 winners.
Proceeds from the carnival benefit the Millbrook Fire Department.
Among the first to try out the Paratrooper ride on Wednesday, July 15, opening day of the Millbrook Fire Dept. Carnival, were Alyssa Hotaling of Millbrook and daughter, Sophie (4).Photo by Leila Hawken
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