Rain or shine, pandemic or not, Earth Day will be celebrated

Rain or shine, pandemic or not, Earth Day will be celebrated
The owners of Westerlind in the village of Millerton got into the spirit of Earth Day and placed large letters in their storefront window, spelling out E-A-R-T-H for all to see, reminding those strolling along Main Street that we have to protect this planet if we want it to be around in the future. The entire village will be celebrating Earth Day during the next week. 
Photo by kaitlin lyle

MILLERTON — Earth Day will be celebrated throughout Millerton and North East on Thursday, April 22; Saturday, April 24; and Wednesday, April 28, rain or shine. For more details about the days planned in honor of the global holiday, which falls on the 22nd, read this week’s front page as well as this week’s editorial, on Page B4. 

The North East/Millerton Climate Smart Task Force organized all of the activities, which are listed in printed schedules available at businesses throughout the village and online, at www.climatesmartmillerton.org. Some of the events, but not all (due to space restrictions), are listed below. Some events require registration; for more information, go to the website listed above. Face masks and social distancing are required at all events to keep everyone safe.

On Thursday, April 22, the NorthEast-Millerton Library is offering a virtual activity for all ages at 4:30 p.m. Register at www.NEMillertonLibrary.org for Earth Day Virtual Story Hour with Miss Kristin.

On Saturday, April 24, Moonwake Yoga & Healing Studio is offering a free, in-person earth-focused yoga flow class beginning with a centering meditation, guiding students through a grounding, balancing and refreshing practice from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Register at katie@moonwake.life; the studio is located at 5 Main St., on the second floor.

Also that day, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at McEnroe Organic Farm’s Composting Operation at 194 Coleman Station Road, children ages 6 and older can learn how banana peels, apple cores and cow bedding mix over time to make a nutritious blend for one’s garden.

Another event on April 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be at the NorthEast-Millerton Library at 75 Main St. It’s an in-person event for all ages. Residents can learn how to Start Your Own Flower Garden, and pick up free native plant seeds to begin a garden. Contactless pick-up will be available. 

The Dig, at 3 Main St., will be offering three in-person workshops on April 24, starting at 10 a.m., on Home Tips for Sustainability; then at 11 a.m., on Composting at Home; and then at 11:30 a.m., on Crafts with Kids, 10 and under. Call 518-592-1210 for details.

Farm tours April 24

There will be farm tours on April 24. Children 6 and older can visit from 2 to 3:30  p.m. at Rock Steady Farm, at 41 Kaye Road in Millerton. Rock Steady is an LGBTQIA+ coop farm that focuses on social justice and grows sustainable veggies.

Willow Brook Farm will offer tours at 196 Old Post Road 4 in Millerton and open its Farm Store, selling produce and more. It will also hold livestock and oxen demonstrations from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Broadfork Farm, at 33 Scribner Road, Millerton, grows lettuce and tea with solar power, no tilling and composting. It will offer tours on the 24th from 3 to 5 p.m.

Chaseholm Farm, at 115 Chase Road in neighboring Pine Plains, will also offer tours from 3 to 5 p.m. Chaseholm is a family farm that raises grass-fed beef and pork and produces raw milk and cheese. It has a farm store.

Virtual farm talk

For those 18 and older, on Wednesday, April 28, there will be a virtual talk entitled An Evening with the Farmers of Rock Steady Farm and Flower with the Kent Memorial Library in neighboring Connecticut. 

Rock Steady is an LGBTQIA+ cooperative farm rooted in social justice that grows sustainable vegetables and affordable, accessible food through regenerative farming practices. The founders of Rock Steady are working to increase equity in the food system and safe spaces for queer and BIPOC farmers. 

Register with the NorthEast-Millerton Library at www.NEMillertonLibrary.org.

Earth Day documentary

April 22 through the 25th, The Moviehouse will partner with the CSTF to present the documentary film, “The Race to Save the World,” produced and directed by Joe Gantz. 

The film follows multiple generations of people teaching about climate change. According to the reviews, “This film will inspire you to stop waiting on the sidelines and make your voice heard in the fight for a livable future.”

Tickets cost $12 through The Moviehouse Virtual Cinema, which are available for pre-order now. Go to www.watch.eventive.org/theracetosavetheworld/.

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