MILLERTON — The Eddie Collins Memorial Park Revitalization Committee (RC) publicly presented the phase two plans for Millerton’s community park on Thursday, Aug. 17, at the park’s pavilion.
Over the background sounds of the players on the improved basketball courts and children in the refurbished playground, Stephen Waite, RC chair and spokesperson, gave an update to 30 or so residents on future plans for the park. Waite, who started the volunteer committee when the park’s pool closed in 2016 due to structural issues and high maintenance costs, highlighted the project’s progress.
A public survey in 2016 confirmed residents’ desire for an improved park with a new pool, basketball courts and playing fields. Next, the village received a grant to create a master plan for an improved park including a pool, which was approved by the village board after public hearings.
Construction on phase one—which included substantial regrading of the park, a new entrance and paved parking areas, a soccer field, accessible playground upgrades, new basketball courts and pavilion improvements—was completed in 2022.
Conscious of taxpayers, Waite was proud that half of the funds for phase one were from grants and half from private donations, and thankful that so many people showed up to learn about phase two and offer their feedback. Any resident with written suggestions may present them to the village of Millerton clerk before Friday, Sept. 1.
Project manager Jeanne Vanecko introduced the designers of phase two: Kevin Hasselwander, an engineer from LaBella Associates, for the pool area; and Larry Wente, a principal of New York City architectural firm Gertler & Wente, for the all-season community pool house. Hasselwander, with the help of design boards, explained the layout of the L-shaped pool with four lanes for lap swimmers abutting 2-foot and 4-foot-deep sections, that are accessible for those with disabilities and older adults.
There will be a deck between the pool house and pool for sunbathing, a water slide, a diving board, and a landscaped stormwater treatment buffer. A terrace at the side will accommodate summer camp. The pool complex will be raised to protect the town’s aquifer below. The committee staked out the area by the pavilion to show the size and footprint of where the pool and pool house will be located as the centerpiece of the park.
Wente contributed his design expertise to the four-season pool house. A light-filled passageway will lead to the pool, flanked by locker rooms on one side and a kitchen, concession area, offices and community room on the other. Solar panels on the roof will produce energy to power the facility.
Wente explained that a rectangle is the most cost-efficient design, and that sustainability guides all the design decisions. The community room will be available for programming by local not-for-profits, could be used as an emergency shelter, and will also produce event rental income. The existing bath house will remain and be used as storage for pool and grounds equipment and supplies. The old pool and septic system will be removed.
Mayor Jenn Najdek, an RC member, stepped in to remind everyone that the plans are not final and that the village board, after hearing from the public, will decide on the final design. She thanked the all-volunteer RC for the time and effort given to making the project happen.
The public did have questions. Yes, there will be exterior lighting. Hasselwander did not know how many people could use the pool at the same time and promised to check and get back. RC hopes that the pool can be open from early spring to late in the fall if it can be heated.
No fees have been established for pool usage but there will be one fee for village and town residents and another for nonresidents. It’s too early to know if the pool house will be LEED-certified.
Vanecko addressed the question of the cost of phase two. The total amount is $4.3 million, which includes $1.77 million for the pool with decking, utilities and accessories; $1.3 million for the pool house with community room and locker room; $400,000 for electrical and site lighting; $170,000 for softball field improvements; and $710,000 for design, administration and contingency.
The timing of the project depends on the implementation of the village-planned sewer system, which will extend to the park. Without the sewer system, another $500,000 would be added to the cost to build a septic system. The scheduled completion date is 2025.
Another member of the audience asked about the cost of maintaining the park. According to Hasselwander, operating expenses tracked this season will provide an idea about the cost of maintaining the grounds. An endowment has been established to help fund these expenses in the future. Edie Greenwood, RC treasurer, said that, so far, the fund has a balance of $250,000.
It was emphasized that the park would generate revenues through renting its soccer field, pool fees, concession income and community room rental. County Legislator Gregg Pulver stated that he thought it was wonderful that the town is building a new pool when so many other communities are closing theirs.
Village trustee Matt Hartzog asked if it might be possible to include village offices in the plan. The response was that there just isn’t enough room in the park. Kathy Fenn, a member of the RC Steering Committee, which helps raise money for the project, asked if it could be a saltwater pool and was informed that public pools must be chlorinated.
One woman from the audience wanted to know if there would be swimming lessons. “Absolutely,” was the answer. Waite commented that youth recreation is both a health and a safety issue.
The design boards used in the presentation will be moved to the Village Hall, where they can be viewed by the public. Donations for the park may be made online at www.millertonpark.org
Nathan Miller
Little leaguers run across Eddie Collins Memorial Park in Millerton for lunch, popcorn and ice cream at the pavilion during the Webutuck Little League season opening party on Sunday, April 12. The league has signed up 80 players for the 2026 season comprising six teams, including one tee-ball team, three baseball teams and two softball teams.
MILLERTON — The Webutuck Little League held its season opening party on Sunday, April 12, at Eddie Collins Memorial Park on Route 22.
Players enjoyed free food, popcorn and ice cream and a day of playing in inflatable castles and an obstacle course.
The league has signed up 80 players across six teams — one tee-ball team, three baseball teams and two softball teams.
Leila Hawken
Celebrating the significant history of embroidery and its place within the fabric of the community, an exhibit opening was held on Thursday, April 9, at the Millbrook Library. Millbrook Historical Society secretary Alison Meyer, co-organizer of the event, provided welcoming remarks. The exhibit will continue until Saturday, May 2.
MILLBROOK — A new exhibit at the Millbrook Library tells the story of the Millbrook Needlework Guild, a storied group that has threaded its way through the past century of life in the village.
The exhibit opening was held on Thursday, April 9, attracting residents and visitors to view exquisite historic pieces of needlework art, all linked to today’s Millbrook due to their continuing importance as local works of art.
Assembled by the Millbrook Historical Society in a project that spanned two years, Society Secretary Alison Meyer, co-organizer of the event, welcomed a substantial turnout of residents and visitors. Meyer noted the contributions of her co-coordinator, Society board member Denise Bauer in bringing the event to life.
“It all began with the Millbrook Needlework Guild organized in 1954. The legacy has been preserved in churches, homes and the library,” Meyer said, noting that exhibit pieces have been loaned from throughout the village community.
“It’s gone from a local endeavor to the national scene and now back to local,” Meyer added. Also participating in the exhibit is the area’s Skyllkill Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America that was formed in 1974, continuing the tradition to the present day.
A highlight of the opening was the presentation of a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Millbrook Historical Society to resident Anne Collins who had first suggested the idea for the exhibit.
When it was formed in 1954, the Millbrook Needlework Guild, whose members were local women devoted to the art, was gifted with a house donated by Margaret Thorne Parshall. The house still stands at the corner of Franklin and Maple Avenues. The imposing home also served as an academy for instruction in embroidery, under the tutelage of then Millbrook resident Erica Wilson who came to be known by many as “the first lady of stitchery.” Wilson’s shops still operate in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
In 1958, Parshall helped establish the American branch of the British Embroidery Guild, having traveled to England to meet with needleworkers. That organization became the Embroiderers’ Guild of America in 1958.
The exhibit will continue at the Millbrook Library until Saturday, May 2.
Leila Hawken
Sophia Zhou
AMENIA — The Bang Family Concert Series will feature New York-based pianist Sophia Zhou in performance at The Smithfield Church on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 3 p.m.
Zhou’s program “Into the Light” will include a rare treat — Beethoven’s grandest and most technically challenging piano sonata, “Waldstein,” along with works by Mozart, Chopin, and Debussy.
The concert is open to the public. A suggested donation of $20, payable at the door, will contribute toward funding more concerts. A reception with refreshments will follow the concert.
The Bang Family Concert Series has a tradition of hosting eclectic performances by gifted musicians from the Tri-Corner area. Known to area residents, Zhou has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician in New York, Washington, D.C., Amsterdam and Shanghai. She has played with chamber musicians in New York, Hong Kong and with faculty from The Juilliard School, Curtis Institute and Manhattan School of Music.
Currently, Zhou serves as Founder and Artistic Director of the Millbrook Music Salon.
The Smithfield Church is located at 656 Smithfield Valley Road in Amenia. The church is accessible for people with disabilities.
For more information, go to thesmithfieldchurch.org/concerts.
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Leila Hawken
MILLBROOK — The village Board of Trustees is considering allowing bingo and games of chance within Millbrook again, more than four years after officials repealed a local law and effectively banned the activities in 2021.
Two local laws that, if passed, would allow bingo and other games of chance to be included in fundraising events were discussed by the Board of Trustees at its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 8.
The trustees voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing for Local Law No. 2 and No. 3 on Wednesday, April 22, beginning at 6 p.m. at Village Hall.
Bingo and games of chance are seen as significant highlights of the fire department’s annual carnival.
“We need a new local law,” Mayor Peter Doro said, explaining that it would provide the legal framework to allow the games.
Doro said that the village’s legal counsel is drafting resolutions to establish the local laws. Following the public hearing phase, the village would need to hold a special election to approve the new local laws.
The date for the special election was set by the Trustees for Tuesday, June 23, in time for the firemen’s summer carnival.
Doro explained that the special election could be administered locally, probably at the firehouse.
To limit costs, the town could print the ballots, but the Dutchess County Board of Elections has advised that four paid poll watchers would be needed to oversee the process. Because a small turnout of voters would be likely, votes could be hand-counted, rather than machine-counted, Doro added.
Nathan Miller
MILLBROOK — Millbrook’s Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution to adopt the 2026-27 town budget following a public hearing at its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 8.
The budget for the coming year totals $2,538,844, up 0.25% from $2,532,541 in the current year.
Mayor Peter Doro said the increase falls within the 2% property tax cap imposed on local governments by New York State since 2012. Budget lines showing anticipated increases include utilities, paid ambulance service and insurance.
“We’ve all worked hard in the past months,” Doro said, describing the budget review process that involves each of the village’s departments.
Separate unanimous approvals were adopted for the 2026-27 water and sewer budgets. The Water Department budget totals $425,500, up from the current year of $411,950. The Sewer Department budget totals $470,425, up from $435,100.
Although no public comment was offered during the hearing, one trustee suggested that the village should remain vigilant about rising costs.
“There are things we could do to mitigate costs,” said Trustee Shannon Mawson.
To view a copy of the budget as adopted, go to www.villageofmillbrookny.com.
Millerton News
MILLERTON — Robert E. Stapf Sr. (Bobbo), a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to many, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, at the age of 77, happily at home surrounded by lots and lots of love and with the best care ever.
Bob was born Jan. 16, 1949, to the late Peter and Dorothy (Fountain) Stapf. He began working at an early age, met his forever love, Sandy, in 7th grade and later graduated from Pine Plains Central School.
Following graduation, Bob and Sandy (Snyder) were married on Sept. 18, 1971. Bob soon began as a diesel mechanic, working at H.O. Penn and then Dutchess County Diesel for most of his career. He also loved every minute at Orvis Sandanona and all the other clubs where he worked with his dogs for over 50 years.
While Bob was happy outdoors hunting, snowmobiling and playing golf whenever he could and spending a lot of time customizing his 1949 Chevy Pickup, winning a lot of trophies at car shows all around, he was happiest spending time with family and friends. He could be found almost every morning having coffee with his buddies at Talk of the Town where he was “the mayor.”
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 54 years and best nurse, Sandy, of Millerton, his four children; Michelle Cianfarani and her husband Vinnie, Robin Stapf and her husband Rob, Bobby Jr. and his wife Jean and Kristofer Stapf and his wife Lauren, his 7 grandchildren; Zachary, Adriana, Mackenzie, Addison, “Bobcat,” Audrey and Maddie and his 2 great grandchildren; Nevaeh and Leiana. Bob is also survived by his 3 sisters; Barbara Holdridge (Everett), Debbie Bryant (Terry) and Wendy Lind (George), his 2 brothers: Peter Stapf (Donna) and John Stapf (Jane) along with many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to send our love and sincere appreciation to all of the wonderful nurses and doctors at Vassar Brothers Medical Center along with the nurses from Hospice Care who always took such great care of Bob for us.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and offer condolences on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 7749 South Main Street, Pine Plains, New York.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a small donation to Hospice Care for continued support to those who need it most. For directions, share a favorite memory or to leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.peckandpeck.net
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