NECC’s Teen Team sends heartfelt wreaths to seniors over the border

MILLERTON — Seizing the opportunity to make a connection that had just as much heart as it did art, members of the North East Community Center’s (NECC) Teen Team in Millerton gathered via Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 4, to make Valentine wreaths for the residents at Noble Horizons in nearby Salisbury, Conn. 

After receiving the art packets from the NECC, the Teen Team students set to work in creating the beautiful handmade wreaths. 

Thanking Noble Horizons Director of Community Relations Caroline Kenny-Burchfield for her help in coordinating the activity, the Teen Team staff organized a contactless pick-up of the finished wreaths from each student and made sure to deliver the wreaths to Noble Horizons before Valentine’s Day on Saturday, Feb. 14, brightening residents’ spirits with happy homemade hearts.

— Kaitlin Lyle

A resident of Noble Horizons in Salisbury, Conn., Lorraine Sullivan embraced the Valentine’s Day spirit between her cozy red sweater, her heart-shaped headband and the handmade Valentine wreath hanging from her door, courtesy of the members of the NECC Teen Team in Millerton. Photo submitted

Latest News

Housatonic students hold day of silence to protest ICE

Housatonic students hold day of silence to protest ICE

Students wore black at Housatonic Valley Regional High School Friday, Jan. 30, while recognizing a day of silence to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Mia DiRocco

FALLS VILLAGE — In the wake of two fatal shootings involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota, students across the country have organized demonstrations to protest the federal agency. While some teens have staged school walkouts or public protests, students at Housatonic Valley Regional High School chose a quieter approach.

On Friday, Jan. 30, a group of HVRHS students organized a voluntary “day of silence,” encouraging participants to wear black as a form of peaceful protest without disrupting classes.

Keep ReadingShow less
activism

County Legislator Chris Drago to host childcare forum in Pine Plains

County Legislator Chris Drago to host childcare forum in Pine Plains
The North East Community Center’s Early Learning Program shuttered abruptly last December after nonprofit leadership announced that significant financial strain required the program’s termination. NECC Executive Director Christine Sergent said the organization remains open to reconsidering childcare in the future.
Photo by Nathan miller

PINE PLAINS — Dutchess County Legislator Chris Drago, D-19, will host a public forum later this month to discuss ongoing childcare challenges — and potential solutions — facing families in Northern Dutchess. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Stissing Center in Pine Plains and is free and open to the public.

Drago said the goal of the forum is to gather community feedback that can be shared with county and state stakeholders, as Dutchess County positions itself to benefit from $20 million in state funding as part of a new childcare pilot program.

Keep ReadingShow less
government

Proposed ICE facility in Chester faces regional opposition

Proposed ICE facility in Chester faces regional opposition
A Google Street View image of the former Pep Boys warehouse on Elizabeth Drive in Chester, New York, where the U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to
maps.app.goo.gl

A proposed deportation processing center in Chester, New York, has sparked widespread backlash from local residents and advocates across the Hudson Valley.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a public notice on Jan. 8 outlining the plan, which calls for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to purchase and convert a warehouse at 29 Elizabeth Drive in Chester “in support of ICE operations.” The facility, located in Orange County, is a former Pep Boys distribution warehouse that was previously used to store tires and auto parts.

Keep ReadingShow less
immigration

Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.

Keep ReadingShow less