PINE PLAINS — After the challenges they faced in their search for a new pantry space, Nelson and Lisa Zayas of Willow Roots wholeheartedly welcomed the community to join in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new space at 7730 South Main St. on Saturday, March 21, at 10 a.m.
The pantry co-founders were brought before the town’s Planning Board as they did not have the proper permits to operate in a residential neighborhood, out of their North Main Street home. Neighbors on the adjoining street, Carla Terrace, began complaining last September that traffic on Saturday morning distribution days was disrupting their quality of life (for more, go to www.tricornernews.com).
The Zayases are in litigation at the moment dealing with the matter; they are also in the midst of pursuing a major home occupation special-use permit. In the meantime, they’ve found a new home for their two-year-old pantry, thanks to the countless do-gooders in the community who contacted them with suggestions of where they could set up a new distribution site. The space that worked out is located on South Main Street.
And that’s where familiar faces in the community could be spotted, standing around the front of the new Willow Roots’ front entrance, waiting in hopeful anticipation.
“It’s a new beginning,” said Willow Roots Board Vice President Brett McCormack. “With winter, you see so many efforts happening behind the scene, roots if you will, and now that it’s spring, people are excited about positivity and change and new beginnings.”
The new set-up, McCormack said, will allow Willow Roots to grow and help more people, generating productive, rather than reactionary, change.
Walking out the front door, Lisa said she was touched to see so many people come out to watch the pantry take root in a new location. Nelson was soon spotted coming out the door with a ribbon in hand, which he pulled tautly across the entryway.
Meanwhile, longtime volunteer Ray Christiansen passed green ribbons out to onlookers to tie onto the willow tree McCormack crafted and painted for the lobby.
Thanking everyone for their presence and letting grateful tears fall, Lisa said, “I love you all and I’m really proud to be part of Willow Roots. I always said that Willow Roots doesn’t belong to us, it belongs to everyone, and you definitely showed that when you rallied together to help us.”
Telling the story of how Willow Roots first took root in Pine Plains, Lisa introduced the group to Bruce Silvernale, whom she described as the willow root that started their work. From that moment on, she said they realized they were “going to need a bigger boat” and their efforts flourished as they continued to feed, clothe and provide for more people in need of support.
Whether they’ve been a receiver or a giver of Willow Roots’ services, Lisa told the crowd that each and every one of them has become a part of the Willow Roots family.
“When we were asked to leave, or told we should leave… we had a hard time,” she admitted. “Nelson and I kept it quiet and then at one time we decided we were going to give up. We didn’t think we could go through with it anymore; we were tired and we thought that maybe the community didn’t really need us as much as we thought — and you guys all proved us wrong.”
It was with the community’s support, Lisa said, that she and Nelson realized Willow Roots didn’t belong to them at all and they had no right to make the decision to give up. Choosing instead to fight, they were able to secure the space that she said will be the pantry’s home for as long as the community still wants them. Previously occupied by the former thrift store, Pass It On, the Zayases learned of the space through its owner, Kyle Lougheed.
Once the pantry’s board members and volunteers had a chance to speak their peace, the Zayases invited Silvernale to stand beside them to tie on the willow tree’s first ribbon, and with a snip of the scissors in Lisa’s hand, the ribbon was cut and the pantry was officially opened for operation. A line soon formed up the walkway for visitors to tour the new space and tie on ribbons, and volunteers began arriving to distribute food at 11 a.m., for a rare Sunday morning distribution.
As they toured the new Willow Roots space at 7730 South Main St., community members were invited to tie a ribbon on the willow tree crafted by Willow Roots Board Vice President Brett McCormack that’s stationed in the lobby. Photo by Kaitlin Lyle
“We had such a fun party for her,” said AMP founder and artistic director Ellen Griesedieck. “I am excited for what is next for Amy and grateful for every moment she has invested in her work at AMP.”
Wynn, who previously led the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, said her decision to step down came after careful reflection.
“It’s time for me to shift into the next phase of my career, which will call upon my 40-plus years of nonprofit experience to do project work,” she said. “I’ve absolutely loved my time at AMP.”
Visitors to the American Mural Project.Sky Johnson
Under Wynn’s leadership, AMP expanded education programs, deepened community partnerships and oversaw key milestones in the creation of its monumental centerpiece — a three-dimensional mural stretching 120 feet long and five stories high — celebrating American ingenuity, industry and collaboration.
“Through all these years, Amy has worked with tireless enthusiasm for AMP, running day-to-day operations and guiding the overall direction of our mission,” Griesedieck said.
During Wynn’s tenure, AMP evolved from a concept into a dynamic cultural campus. She helped professionalize its structure, solidify its funding base and develop programs that drew visitors from across the state and beyond.
“The work she has accomplished, the hours of overtime she has logged, the mountains we have climbed together since that moment are many and miraculous,” Griesedieck said.
AMP also weathered challenging times, including the pandemic, which forced arts organizations to rethink audience engagement. Wynn guided the team during that uncertain period with a steady hand.
To ensure a smooth transition, AMP has brought on Renee Chatelain of RMCreative Solutions, LLC, an experienced consultant, attorney and arts administrator who previously worked with AMP on its capital expansion planning.
Chatelain will serve as interim executive director while a national search is conducted for AMP’s next leader.
“A longtime friend, Renee comes to us with a depth of knowledge on executive transition,” said Griesedieck. “As an attorney, a leader of several arts organizations and a classically trained dancer, she is particularly well-suited for this interim role.”
Though stepping down, Wynn said she will continue her work in the nonprofit field in a more flexible, project-based capacity.
“I’ll be seeking consulting projects with other nonprofits, assisting with grant work and strategic planning,” she said. “What I enjoy most is leading a collaborative effort and finding solutions to challenging problems.”
Sky Johnson
Even as AMP bids farewell to Wynn, its focus remains on the future. The next phase of development will focus on converting a second mill building into expanded programming and community space.
“The next step has got to happen,” Griesedieck said. “It’s absolutely what the Northwest Corner needs — a place for the community to congregate.”
The proposed expansion would create flexible areas for performances, workshops and public events, further establishing AMP as a cornerstone of the regional arts scene.
With community support and grants, AMP hopes to carry forward Wynn’s momentum into a new era.
“She is not leaving,” Griesedieck said. “Amy will always be here for us.”
Founded in 2001, the American Mural Project was conceived as a tribute to the American worker — a celebration of skill, creativity and perseverance. The mural, the largest indoor collaborative artwork in the world, was created with contributions from thousands of children, artists, teachers, tradespeople and volunteers nationwide.
Today, AMP offers tours, workshops, lectures and performances, all rooted in its mission: to inspire, invite collaboration and reveal the contributions people of all ages can make to American culture.
As Wynn turns the page, her legacy — from her calm, strategic leadership to the collaborative spirit she fostered — remains woven into the fabric of AMP’s story.
