Parkway hopes fade; ‘Young Frankenstein’ invades at the movies; Manna Dew reopens

The following excerpts from The Millerton News were compiled by Kathleen Spahn and Rhiannon Leo-Jameson of the North East-Millerton Library.

June 21, 1934

‘Hope Fades For Parkway Construction, No Federal Or State Funds Available, Winslow Is Told’; Hope that construction of the Taconic Parkway would be completed as far north as Freedom Plains either in 1934 or 1935 faded last week when Paul T. Winslow, executive secretary of the Taconic Park Commission, was informed by Commissioner Arthur W. Brandt of the State Highway Department that no more state or federal funds for parkway construction will be forthcoming this year.
The Taconic Commission had entertained hope that it might complete Section 4 of the parkway, extending from Gayhead on the Fishkill-Stormville highway north to the new Manch Bridge-Billings highway at Freedom Plains, through an additional grant of federal funds.
Commissioner Brandt explained to Mr. Winslow that President Roosevelt had asked for an additional appropriation of $200,000,000 of which New York state was to receive a substantial amount, and had the full amount of the appropriation been made available, about $500,000 would have been allocated for Section 4 of the parkway. Congress cut the appropriation asked by the President in half.

June 19, 1975

‘‘Young Frankenstein’ Invades Millerton’; The Millerton Theatre, last Fall, closed its doors due to lack of business with a showing of the horror classic, “Dracula.” On Wednesday, June 18, the movie house opened for the summer months with the new and popular horror spoof, “Young Frankenstein.”
The Millerton Theatre has been leased at $500 a month for the summer by the Fergusons of New York City and Lakeville.
Laura, 19, Sharon, 18, Marsha, 14, Sandy, 11, and Tom Babbitt, 20, will be running the projector, selling tickets and refreshments and introducing the movies through Labor Day. Laura said that after “Young Frankenstein” they have scheduled “Aloha, Bobby and Rose” and, on the July 4 weekend, “That’s entertainment.”
Ticket prices will be $2 for adults, $1 for children and Mondays will be dollar night.

‘County Health Board Approves Town Landfill’; The Dutchess County Board of Health has labeled the North East Town landfill “basically acceptable,” it was announced at the Town Board meeting on Thursday night, June 12.
In a report to the Board, the County did suggest that there could be “better compacting” at the dump since wind-blown plastic was reportedly scattered over the landfill area. The County also asserted that it was concerned about expansion at the dump because such a move could create “environmental problems.”

‘Millerton Begins Pool Program’; The Village of Millerton will begin its summer recreation program at the Denney Memorial Pool on June 23. The pool will be open to village residents and their guests from noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays, for the period of June 23 to July 6. The pool will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season.
Counselors at the pool this summer are the same as last year and are as follows: Don Hancock, Cindy Williams, Gina Canevari, Tracey Miller, Tammy Miller, and Jean Valentine. Glen Peck will be in charge of family pass purchases and ticket sales.
“We are all looking forward to a good summer and a terrific summer youth program,” said Youth Program Director Don Hancock.

June 15, 2000

‘Students Learn During Webutuck Career Day’; WEBUTUCK — A remarkable variety of professions were represented June 8 at Webutuck Elementary School, as 20 parents and other community members volunteered to give talks describing their jobs.
Speakers each gave two 45-minute presentations to the fourth- through sixth-graders, each of whom chose two different sessions they were most interested in.
“It was a huge success,” said co-organizer Susan Campbell of the second-annual event, adding, “this one seemed more exciting than last year’s.” But it wasn’t just doctors and lawyers. Jobs from music therapist to police scuba diver were represented.
Speakers included beautician Laureen Abouid; Stamford, Conn firefighter Jim Kravchuk; nurse Mickey Lovell; police sergeants Hughes, O’Brien and DeMarco; sheriff’s deputies Molle and LaMonica; veterinarian Kent Kay; farmer John Perotti; occupational therapist Maureen McDonald; veterinarian Julian Strauss; mechanic and woodworker Ray Schultz; environmental educator Wendy Reiner; Metro North conductor Tom McCoy; music therapist Judy McAvoy; newspaper editor Terry Cowgill; Central Hudson district representative Nancy Herman; vocational rehabilitation assistant Joanne Robinson; and police forensic investigator Kevin Rosa.

‘Manna Dew Consolidates Café and Health Store’; MILLERTON — Manna Dew has consolidated its health food store with the café and reopened this week in a two-story residence next to the Rexall Pharmacy on Main Street, according to Gina Trivelli, who is the owner along with her mother Kare
“This will work better. People can eat and shop at the same time,” said Ms. Trivelli of the establishment, which also offers catering. Her café was once in Railroad Plaza while the health food store used to be located farther down Main Street.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Busking in the Berkshires
Brent McCoy of Secret Circus Show at Berkshire Busk!
Roman Iwasiwka

While playing outside in the early post-pandemic days, Berkshire Busk! founder Eugene Carr had an epiphany: why not expand the idea of performing on the street (aka busking)into a full-fledged festival in Great Barrington?

As an entrepreneur and cellist, Carr envisioned a well-organized jamboree featuring regional talent, including musicians, acrobats, storytellers, fire-eaters, and more. He formed a team, connected with local businesses and the town of Great Barrington, and launched Berkshire Busk! in 2021. Since then, Berkshire Busk! has grown into a summer staple for Great Barrington.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Sylvia' brings heart, humor and one unforgettable dog to Sharon Playhouse stage

What if the dog onstage was played by a person? That’s the delightful twist in A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” opening at the Sharon Playhouse on Aug. 29. In this clever and heartfelt comedy, the title character — a stray pup who disrupts the lives of a married couple — is portrayed not in costume but by an actor who brings insight, charm, and chaos to the role.

Stepping into Sylvia’s paws is Jen Cody, who is returning to the Sharon Playhouse in a starring role for her third year in a row, ready to bring this spirited dog to life. She’s joined by Jonathan Walker as Greg, the middle-aged man smitten with his new four-legged friend, and Jennifer Van Dyck as Kate, his wife, whose patience and identity are tested by Sylvia’s sudden presence in their home.

Keep ReadingShow less
Labor Day weekend art, design and local finds

Paul Chaleff’s exhibit at Mad Rose Gallery in Millerton.

Provided

The unofficial end of summer is here, and while some of us may mourn the shortening days and cooler nights, the culturally-inclined denizens of the Litchfield Hills, Berkshires and Taconics have plenty to look forward to.

During Labor Day weekend, visit one of the offerings below, and maybe even take home a watercolor, rug, or locally-crafted wooden bowl to ready your home for the indoor season ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less