‘Selected Shorts’ comes to Stissing Center

The Stissing Center was bustling just before the show on Sunday, March 9.
Photo by Alec Linden
The Stissing Center was bustling just before the show on Sunday, March 9.
PINE PLAINS — The Stissing Center was packed on Sunday for an afternoon performance of podcast and NPR series “Selected Shorts.” The sold-out show, which was recorded for national broadcast at a later date, brought a lineup of four accomplished actors and storytellers to the Pine Plains stage to recite a selection of short stories from award-winning authors.
“Selected Shorts,” a product of Manhattan-based performing arts powerhouse Symphony Space, features prominent actors who recite works of short fiction. The full program usually revolves around a theme; Sunday afternoon’s focus was “transformations.”
Comedian, writer and actress Ophira Eisenberg — or “renaissance woman of storytelling,” as Stissing Center Executive Director Patrick Trettenero introduced her — assumed hosting duties, warming up the crowd with jokes about Brooklyn egg prices and doctors with self-esteem issues — “I want a megalomaniac with a god complex and no hobbies.”
Every seat in the large coffeehouse-style auditorium was filled, and the crowd was engaged. “For a 3 p.m. audience, you guys are amazing!” exclaimed Eisenberg.
Actor David Straithairn took the stage first, reading a short story by Pulitzer Prize winning author Steven Millhauser titled “Green.” Straithairn’s classic, almost antique delivery suited the small-town American ethos of the story well. A somewhat detached but observant narrator recounts the story of a sort of anti-plant mania that started “innocently enough” in his town, stripping public and private property alike of all greenery. Eventually, a few intrepid neighbors add shrubbery back to their yards, prompting a swing back in the other direction: “After a brief diversion, a playful experiment, things had returned to normal in our quiet town — or had they?”
Straithharn’s reading was followed by an animated performance from actor Lauren Ambrose, whose long resumé is most recently punctuated by her role in the popular television series “Yellowjackets.” Ambrose read “Quantum Voicemail” by novelist and short-story writer Kristen Iskandrian, a woozy tale from a particular and slightly neurotic narrator who describes voicemail in probably the most poetic language ever put to page about the messaging format. Voicemail is “a stirring three minute soliloquy,” and “like a photograph, it capture[s] a moment of attention,” says the rapt narrator.
A brief intermission enabled patrons to refuel with drinks or popcorn from the bar, or head outside to enjoy the early spring weather. For those who remained in the theater, the sunken lounge-like space in the center of the room facilitated easy conservation between neighbors as they reflected on the performances.
Eisenberg herself recited the third story, “Squirrels” by Israeli writer Etgar Kenet. The action opens with a description of a family myth — or was it? — about a grandfather being reincarnated as a giant squirrel after a battle with cancer, and which subsequently halts his widow’s next wedding by biting the groom-to-be’s thumb. The story does get sentimental, which Eisenberg’s mostly comic oration accented well.
The final performance was of New York City-raised writer Jamel Brinkley’s “Blessed Deliverance,” a coming-of-age story about a group of college-bound teenagers growing up and growing apart in gentrifying Brooklyn. New York stage and screen actor Teagle F. Bougere handled the tension and confusion of late childhood/young adulthood well in his recitation. The plot reaches a high point when an unhoused man releases a pack of rabbits from an animal rescue shelter into the street while the group of teens looks on, cheering but not entirely sure what for.
After a few closing remarks from Eisenberg, the show was complete. Satisfied attendees made their way back to their cars and released the streets of Pine Plains into Sunday quietude once again.
From left, Suzanne Furia, Quality Improvement Specialist, Melissa Braislin, Director Rehab Services, Christy Clarke, Supervisor Patient Access, Jennifer Maranzano, Quality Data Coordinator, Christina Kontogiannis, Manager Patient Care, Amy Llerena, Director Quality, Ken DiVestea, Director Imaging Services, Dr. Mark Marshall, Hospitalist, Jim Hutchison, Clinical Navigator.
SHARON — For the sixth consecutive year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has recognized Northwell Health’s Sharon Hospital as a Five Star Hospital.
The hospital is one of just 290 Hospitals across the United States to receive the prestigious distinction and the only hospital in the State of Connecticut to receive a five-star rating — the highest rating that can be awarded.
Star ratings reflect a hospital’s performance across five quality measures: mortality, safety, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care. This year, 91 fewer hospitals earning a five-star quality rating as compared to 2024.
“This distinction reinforces the fact that the exceptional work we do every day here at Sharon Hospital is meaningful in the lives of those we serve,” stated Sharon Hospital President Christina McCulloch in a press release.
ADVERTISEMENT
FOR BIDS
LAVELLE ROAD PUMP HOUSE AND WELL FIELD UPGRADES
TOWN OF AMENIA, DUTCHESS COUNTY, NEW YORK
BID NO 24-3147-LRDPUMP
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids for the Town of Amenia Lavelle Road Pump House and Well Field Upgrades will be received at the Town Clerk’s Office, Town of Amenia, Amenia Town Hall, 4988 Route 22, Amenia, NY 12501 until October 27, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. local time and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud on October 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. local time.
No bids will be received or considered after the date/time stated above.
This work generally consists of:
Demolition of the existing pump house on Lavelle Road and procurement and installation of a new pre-packaged pump house and emergency generator with associated site work.
Upgrades to existing Wells 4 and 4A located at the Lavelle Road Well Field, including replacement of the submersible well pumps and raising of the well casings.
Bids shall be submitted on bid forms which are contained in the detailed specifications available at www.bidnetdirect.com//townofamenia and https://ameniany.gov/bidding-opportunities beginning on September 5, 2025. Bid Forms and associated contract documents will only be available from the bidding service.
Contract Documents may be examined at no expense online at www.bidnetdirect.com//townofamenia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.bidnetdirect.com//townofamenia or https://ameniany.gov/bidding-opportunities or at the office of Delaware Engineering, D.P.C., 28 Madison Ave Extension, Albany, NY 12203. Digital copies of the Contract Documents may be obtained online as a download from the website www.bidnetdirect.com//townofamenia
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Questions should be sent to Robert Flores, PE via email at rflores@delawareengineering.com.
Each bid must be accompanied by security in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid in the form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders. No Bidder may withdraw his bid within forty-five (45) days after the actual date of opening thereof.
The project is funded with NYS Funds and 20% MWBE utilization is required.
The Town of Amenia reserves the right to waive any informalities in the Bid and to reject any or all Bids.
Dated: September 11, 2025
Town of Amenia
Town Clerk
09-11-25
Legal Notice
Change of Meeting Date
Please take notice the regularly scheduled Amenia Planning Board meeting scheduled for 9/24/2025 has been rescheduled to Thursday, 9/25/2025 at 7:00 pm.
09-11-25
Legal Notice
Change of Meeting Date
Please take notice the regularly scheduled Amenia Town Board meeting scheduled for 10/4/2025 has been rescheduled to Friday, 10/3/2025 at 7:00 pm.
09-11-25
Legal Notice
Formation of LLC TrueClean Solutions, LLC. Filed with NY Dept. of State on 5/28/25. Office: Dutchess Co. NY Sec. of State designated agent for service of process. Mail to: 3 Neptune Rd, Ste Q19, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
08-07-25
08-14-25
08-21-25
08-28-25
09-04-25
09-11-25
Legal Notice
McIntyre Law PLLC, a domestic PLLC, filed with the SSNY on 7/18/2025. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to PO Box 554 Amenia, NY 12501. Purpose: Law. Section 1203 of the Limited liability Company Law.
08-07-25
08-14-25
08-21-25
08-28-25
09-04-25
09-11-25
Legal Notice
Notice of Formation of Tailored Tails Grooming LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 7/25/25.
Office location: Dutchess County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process
may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Kim Czelowalnik, 15 Millstream Court, Pawling NY 12564. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
08-07-25
08-14-25
08-21-25
08-28-25
09-04-25
09-11-25
Legal Notice
Notice of Formation of Compa De Danza FolklRegional Mexicana, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 7/24/25. Office location:Dutchess County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Karina G Powers, 26 Wing Rd. Millbrook NY
12645. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
08-07-25
08-14-25
08-21-25
08-28-25
09-04-25
09-11-25
Legal Notice
Notice of Formation of Chocolate and Pines LLC.
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/26/2025.Office location: Dutchess County.
SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to:Natalia Hurley, 108 Old Post Rd N, Apt 2, Red Hook, NY 12571.Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
08-28-25
09-04-25
09-11-25
09-18-25
09-25-25
10-02-25
LEGAL NOTICE
Please take notice that pursuant to a resolution of the Town Board of the Town of North East, Dutchess County, New York, sealed bids for the purchase of the following items will be received at the Office of Town Clerk, Town of North East, 19 North Maple Avenue, PO Box 516, Millerton, New York 12546 until 10:00 AM. on the 25th day of September 2025, at which time they will be read aloud.
Propane Delivered
On Road Diesel Fuel Delivered
87 Octane Gasoline Delivered
#2 Fuel Heating Oil Delivered
Run Of The Bank Gravel
Processed Gravel
Screened Topsoil
Screened Ice Control Sand
Washed Ice Control Sand
Tailings
Crushed Stone
Washed Crushed Stone
Bituminous Mix (Cold Patch)
Bituminous Mix (Hot Mix All Types)
Latex Emulsions
Latex Primer & Sealers
Latex MP Materials
Base Conditioners
Liquid Calcium Chloride (Spread On Road By Gallon)
Full Depth Reclamation By Square Yard
Relevant items may be bid F.O.B. or delivered. Bid period will be from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026. Bid winners will be notified in writing. All bids must be accompanied by a notarized non collusive statement and corporate bidders must file a corporate resolution with corporate seal. All envelopes must be clearly marked “Bid (01/01/26-12/31/26)”. The Town Board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Information may be obtained by calling the Superintendent of Highways at 518-789-4850.
September 11, 2025.
Robert D. Stevens
Superintendent of Highways
Town of North East
09-11-25
Legal Notice
The Union Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting on Sept. 13, 2025, at St. Thomas Church, 40 Leedsville Rd., Amenia, NY from Noon to 1:30 PM. If attending, please bring a couple of dollars to give to the Church’s Food Pantry. If you have family in the Cemetery, we are always looking for new Board members. Also if you wish to donate to help support the Cemetery, you can send a check made out to Union Cemetery Association and mail it to Union Cemetery Association, Gail Seymour, 16 Townsend Blvd., Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. Call Gail with any questions at 845-454-6641.
08-28-25
09-04-25
09-11-25
Section 001112
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS (N.Y.
PUBLIC WORK)
The Town of Amenia
1. Invites bids for GENERAL CONSTRUCTION, PLUMBING, MECHANICAL, and ELECTRICAL Work for Amenia New Highway Garage Site Clearing located at 3754-3756 NYS RTE 22, Amenia, New York, 12569.
1. Separate sealed bids will be received by Town of Amenia at 4988 NY-22, Amenia, NY 12501, until 2:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. All received bids will be read aloud on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. It is the sole responsibility of the bidder to ensure that the bid is received at the designated location prior to the designated time that bids are due.
1. Complete sets of the drawings, specifications, and bid forms, becoming available to the public on Thursday, September 11, 2025 and may be viewed and downloaded at no charge by visiting the Empire State Purchasing Group website at: www.bidnetdirect.com//townofamenia.
1. A Pre-Bid Meeting for the Project will be conducted by the Architect/Engineer on September 19, 2025, at 9:00 am, local time, at 3754-3756 NYS RTE 22, Wassaic, NY 12592
1. Bidders shall promptly notify the architect if any errors, omissions, conflicts, ambiguity, etc. within the contract documents. The above item and/or questions shall be submitted in writing via email to GSchmitt@cplteam.com. Interpretations or clarifications considered necessary will be issued via Addenda posted to the Empire State Purchasing Group website at www.bidnetdirect.com//townofamenia. Questions must be received on or before 12:00 p.m., EST, Monday, September 22, 2025. Questions received after this date may not be answered. Only questions answered by formal written Addenda will be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without legal effect. Where state and local requirements differ from federal, the federal requirements shall be followed. Final addenda will be issued Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
1. The Town of Amenia hereby reserves the right to waive any informalities and reject any or all Bids or to accept the one that in its judgment will be in the best interest of Town of Amenia.
1. A Bid Bond or Certified Check in the amount of five percent (5%)
Base Bid is required and must accompany proposal. Performance Bond and Labor Material Payment Bond equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Contract Sum are required to be delivered at time Contract is signed with Owner.
1. Attention of the Bidder is particularly called to the following:
1. The Owner’s sales tax exemption.
2. The minimum wage rates to be paid under the contract.
3. The requirements pertaining to certification of Non-Collusion in preparation of proposals submitted for this Project.
1. No bidder may withdraw their bid within forty-five (45) days after date of bid opening.
1. In addition, the Bidding Documents for this project contain detailed requirements for the qualification of Bidders as follows:
1. Rigid bonding and insurance requirements.
4. Financial statements and bank references.
5. Lists of lawsuits, arbitrations or other proceedings in which the Bidder has been named as a party.
6. A statement of Surety’s intent to issue Performance and Payment Bonds.
7. A description of other projects of similar size and scope completed by the Bidder.
1. Bidders will comply with New York State prevailing wage and supplement requirements.
1. Town of Amenia
1. Dutchess County
1. State of New York
1. Town Clerk
09-11-25
TOWN OF PINE PLAINS
DUTCHESS COUNTY, NEW YORK
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held by the Town of Pine Plains Zoning Board of Appeals on the 23rd day of September 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Town Hall, 3284 Route 199, Pine Plains, New York, for the purpose of hearing all persons for or against the area variance application submitted by Suellen and Peter Helinksi for property located at 7760 South Main Street, Town of Pine Plains, Dutchess County, Tax Map ID #134200-6872-18-426071-0000.
All interested parties will be given the opportunity to be heard regarding the proposed action requesting a proposed fence to have a height of 6 feet, in lieu of the maximum of 4 feet, in a front yard. The application is available for review at the Pine Plains Town Hall during regular business hours.
By order of:
Scott Chase,
Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals
09-11-25
CARE GIVER WANTED: Fulltime, Live-in, Private apartment. Sharon. 407-620-7777.
Experienced Horse Equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-364-0603.
Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-364-0603.
Part Time Retail Help Wanted: Visionary Computer seeks a kind, patient, empathetic person to help us deliver excellence in customer service and sales. Email preferred, info@
visionarycomputer.net or call 860-435-2211.
Small landscaping company looking for help: Experience with zero turn mower and weed whipping preferred. Willing to train. Pay to go with experience. (860)639-4764.
Town of Amenia is seeking applications for Dog Control Officer: Candidate must possess a valid New York State driver license. Salary $10,500 annual. Experience preferred. Letter of Interest may be submitted via email todmklingner@ameniany.gov or by mail to Town Clerk, 4988 Route 22, Amenia NY 12501. Application deadline: October 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm.
The North East Community Center: is hiring a Social Care Network Senior Assistant. This role supports the organization’s engagement with Hudson Valley Care Coalition Social Care Network (HVSCN), including screening and referral of clients and case support as needed. Bachelor’s degree in social work or related area and two years similar experience OR four years relevant experience. Spanish speaking required. $28.57/hr, 35 hrs/week. For a full position description, visit www.neccmillerton.org/employment.
Town of Amenia is seeking applications for Building Inspector: We are seeking a detail-oriented and knowledgeable Building Inspector to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for checking permit applications for compliance with zoning ordinances, investigating complaints and assist in prosecuting violations of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and zoning ordinances. Zoning will be a primary focus. NYS Certification as Building or Zoning Inspector is strongly preferred. Salary $43.25/hour, 32 hours a week. Letter of Interest may be submitted via email to dmklingner@ameniany.gov or by mail to Town Clerk, 4988 Route 22, Amenia NY 12501. Application deadline: October 2, 2025 at 2:00pm.
Town of Amenia is seeking applications for Part-Time Clerk: for Planning and Zoning Department Candidates must possess high school equivalency diploma. Salary $19/hour, up to 20 hours a week. Letter of Interest may be submitted via email to dmklingner@ameniany.gov or by mail to Town Clerk, 4988 Route 22, Amenia NY 12501. Application deadline: October 2, 2025 at 2:00pm.
Got a chair that needs reweaving? Caning, Rush, Reed, or danish cording?: I can do that! Contact: Susannah Anderson in Norfolk. www.susannahandersonart.com/chair-care-seat-repair.
Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial:status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice,statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
Falls Village, CT
PEDDLERS FLEA MARKET Sept. 13: rain date Sept. 14, 8-2, The South Canaan Meetinghouse, 12 Rte. 63, Falls Village, CT. Something for everyone! Vendor space available, $25 for 12x12 space. Call 860-387-3445. Sponsored by the Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society.
On Saturday, Sept. 6, from 12 to 5 p.m., Rock Steady Farm in Millerton opens its fields once again for the third annual Farm Fall Block Party, a vibrant, heart-forward gathering of queer and BIPOC farmers, neighbors, families, artists, and allies from across the Hudson Valley and beyond.
Co-hosted with Catalyst Collaborative Farm, The Watershed Center, WILDSEED Community Farm & Healing Village, and Seasoned Delicious Foods, this year’s party promises its biggest celebration yet. Part harvest festival, part community reunion, the gathering is a reflection of the region’s rich agricultural and cultural ecosystem.
Rooted in justice and joy, the event will feature over 25 local vendors and organizations, live performances, healing workshops, family-friendly activities (yes, there’s a bouncy castle), and abundant local food. And while the festivities are certainly reason enough to show up, organizers remind us the purpose runs deeper.
“This isn’t just a party. It’s a place to build the kind of relationships that keep our food system alive,” said Maggie Cheney, Rock Steady’s co-founder and worker-owner. “We’re creating space where farmers, growers, families, and community organizers can connect, celebrate, and support one another.”
Proceeds from the event support Rock Steady’s POLLINATE program for queer and trans BIPOC beginning farmers, as well as Catalyst Collaborative Farm’s food justice initiatives. With sliding-scale tickets from $5 to $250, the organizers aim to make the event accessible to all, including free entry for children under 12 and volunteer options for those who want to pitch in.
For those who’ve attended before, it’s a welcome return. For newcomers, it may just feel like coming home.
More info and tickets: rocksteadyfarm.com/farm-block-party