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Top-ranking seniors reflect on success at Webutuck High
Leila Hawken
May 13, 2026
Webutuck High School Seniors Giana Kall, right, and Zaina Aboueid have earned the academic distinction of being named 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively.
Photo By Leila Hawken
Giana Kall, Valedictorian, Class of 2026
Academic achievement earned Giana Kall designation as Valedictorian of the Class of 2026. Her contributions to student life at Webutuck High School and dedication to a variety of activities are a roadmap for those students who will follow her.
Giana is one of three student representatives who serve on Webutuck’s Board of Education. She is also a member of the Culture and Climate Club, an organization that seeks to enhance the Webutuck school experience for all students.
Serving as President of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and the Student Council, Giana is also active in the environmental, debate and yearbook clubs at Webutuck.
Giana began her Webutuck schooling in pre-K, she said with a smile during an interview on Wednesday, May 6.
One of her most formative educational experiences outside of Webutuck, Giana said, was her participation in New York University’s High School Law Institute, offered through the NYU law school. She was able to take law classes, speech and debate, criminal law and constitutional law.
“I learned a lot,” Giana said, particularly in view of her career interest in becoming an attorney and a businesswoman. Giana will enroll at Fordham University in the fall.
Already a young entrepreneur, Giana has started a small business of her own, creating and selling natural essential oils for use in perfumes.
During her Junior year, Giana founded the Webutuck Service Club, obtaining a grant from the Webutuck Quest for Excellence Fund. True to its theme of service, the club made birthday kits and wellness kits for distribution within the school community.
“I could go on and on,” Giana said when asked to share advice for students about to enter their high school years. “Find a balance,” she advised, “and take life one step at a time. Enjoy the process more than focusing on the end result.”
Praising both Giana and Salutatorian Zaina AbouEid, Webutuck High School Principal Matt Pascale said, “Both girls have worked extremely hard for this achievement; they’ve earned this.”
Zaina AbouEid, Salutatorian, Class of 2026
Strong in academics, confident in communication skills, and experienced in serving her community both in school and beyond, Zaina AbouEid has well-earned being named Salutatorian of the Webutuck High School Class of 2026.
Outside of school, Zaina participated in the Berkshire Taconic Foundation’s program, Youth and Democracy, an opportunity to create change by providing benefit to broader communities in which those students live. As part of the program, Zaina interviewed numerous local residents, gathering their ideas about bettering their communities.
Volunteering for the North East Community Center year-round was a significant growth experience for Zaina who helped with distributing food and household supplies and also working within their Child Day Care program.
Zaina’s college plans will take her to Marist University for studies to become a social worker, building on her experience in the community. She shared her plans during an interview on Wednesday, May 6.
Her active participation as president of the Culture and Climate Club at Webutuck saw the start of a student-of-the-month recognition program and an annual wellness day. She has also served as vice-president of the Environment Club and National Honor Society.
Zaina is a talented member of the high school band, accomplished on flute, and is an active member in the Student Council.
“You never know what you’re capable of until you take the risk,” was Zaina’s advice to students about to begin high school years. “When you face new challenges like meeting new friends, or finding your way around the unfamiliar building, or anticipating an exam, you’ll find the strength that you need.”
“I have realized how strong I am through challenges I’ve faced,” Zaina said, crediting staff and teachers for guidance along the way.
Commenting on the academic and personal strengths of both Zaina and Valedictorian Giana Kall, Webutuck High School Principal Matt Pascale said, “They come from wonderful families; they both have bright futures. They’ll be missed here.”
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Ancram home sales increase slightly in early spring
Christine Bates
May 13, 2026
Located in the center of Ancram next to the post office 1301 County Route 7 on .37 acres sold for $545,000, the median price in the Town of Ancram.
Photo By Christine Bates
ANCRAM — Early real estate sale and transfer data suggests Ancram’s home market is moving toward a spring awakening in March and April.
That awakening comes after a slow five months from September to February when only four single family homes were sold in Ancram, where the median sale price remains stable around $550,000.
In early May there were 12 homes actively listed for sale with four over $1 million, four between $500,000 and $1 million and four homes under $500,000.
40 Roche Drive — 3 bedroom/2.5 bath home on 20 acres sold by Denis and Patricia McGuckin to Pierluigi Consagra and JaneFisher for $925,000 transferred on March 10, 2026.
1301 County Route 7 — 3 bedroom/2.5 bath home on .37 acres soldby James Kennedy to Louis and Bette Weiskopf for $545,000 transferred on March 13, 2026.
86 Ballymount Drive off of Winchell Mountain Road — 39 acres of land sold by Dawn Westcott to James Mitarotonda as Trustee for James Mitarotonda Revocable Trust for $425,000 transferred on March 13, 2026.
153 Skyline Drive — 3 bedroom/1.5 bath home on 128 acres sold by Steven Goldberg as EXR and Charles Hewett Jr. by EXR to Skyline Road LLC for $972,687 transferred on March 6, 2026.
Town of Ancram real estate recorded as sold with consideration is derived from Columbia County public deed transfers with property details from Ancram property tax records. Active listings data reported from realtor.com. Compiled by Christine Bates, Real Estate Advisor with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed in Connecticut and New York.
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Dutchess County Sheriff's Report — Thursday, May 14
Millerton News
May 13, 2026
Dutchess County Sheriff’s Report
Archive photo
Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Harlem Valley area activity report April 30 to May 9.
May 3 — Deputies responded to 18 Quaker Hill Road in the Town of Pawling for a welfare check. Investigation at the scene revealed a physical domestic dispute had occurred between a mother and a son. Investigation at the scene resulted in the arrest of Edwin Lopez Monroy, age 19, who was charged with assault in the third degree as well as criminal mischief in the third degree. Monroy to appear in the Town of Pawling Court at a later date.
May 8 — Numerous patrol units responded to the area of 3610 Pleasant Ridge Road in the Town of Dover for a report of up to five people fighting with a beer bottle being used as a weapon. One participant was reported to have a knife. Deputies checked the area and were unable to locate said disturbance. Subjects possibly were gone upon patrol arrival.
May 9 — Deputies responded to Old Route 55 in the Town of Pawling after a caller reported hearing a car crash in the area. The vehicle and its operator were located. A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of Olivia J. Antin, age 21, for driving while intoxicated. Antin to appear in the Town of Pawling Court at a later date.
May 9 — Deputies responded to Broad Street in the Village of Pawling in the area of O’Conner’s Public House for a third-party report of a large verbal disturbance in the street. Involved parties left prior to Deputies’ arrival.
PLEASE NOTE: All subjects arrested and charged are alleged to have committed the crime and are presumed innocent until proven guilty and are to appear in local courts later.
If you have any information relative to the aforementioned criminal cases, or any other suspected criminal activity please contact the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 845 605 CLUE (2583) or email dcsotips@gmail.com. All information will be kept confidential.
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Veterans Park reopens following renovations
Nathan Miller
May 08, 2026
Crews finish renovations at Veterans Park by spraying dirt off the new pavers and sidewalk in downtown Millerton on Thursday, May 7.
Photo by Nathan Miller
MILLERTON — Landscaping crews put the finishing touches on upgrades to Veterans Park in downtown Millerton on Thursday, May 7.
Workers had removed the temporary fencing and were spraying dirt off the brand new pavement Thursday afternoon. Scape-Tech Landscaping Technologies began the work on Monday, April 20, and predicted the work would be completed within two to three weeks.
Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek praised the work, saying Scape-Tech's crews previously renovated Millerton's sidewalks.
"They're fast, efficient and easy to work with," Najdek said.
Renovations to the park included new brick pavers, replacement of a portion of sidewalk through the park, and replacing asphalt paving. Crews also power-washed the stone walls in the park.
Najdek said the work is mostly complete. The park now just needs grass to grow to finish its revitalization.
Funding for the renovations came from a combination of grants and cash reserves that the village maintains, meaning the village did not have to take on additional debt for the project.
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Liane McGhee
Millerton News
May 06, 2026
Liane McGhee
Liane McGhee
Liane McGhee, a woman defined by her strength of will, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family, passed away leaving a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Born Liane Victoria Conklin on May 27, 1957, in Sharon, CT, she grew up on Fish Street in Millerton, a place that remained close to her heart throughout her life. A proud graduate of the Webutuck High School Class of 1975, Liane soon began the most significant chapter of her life when she married Bill McGhee on August 7, 1976. Together, they built a life centered on family and shared values.
Liane was a woman of many passions. She found peace in the outdoors, whether she was taking scenic country rides, fishing, or walking her dog. An avid reader and a talented painter, she possessed a creative spirit and a caring heart that extended to all animals. Above all, Liane was most at home when surrounded by her family.
Liane is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 50 years, Bill McGhee. Her legacy continues through her three children: Joshua (Tanya) McGhee, Justin McGhee, and Jaclyn (Joe) Perusse. She was the proud grandmother of Connor, Calia, and Kennedy McGhee, as well as Lillian and Tillman Perusse. She is also survived by her siblings, Larry Conklin and Linda Holst-Grubbe. Liane was predeceased by her parents Martin and Lillian Conklin, and her brother, Robert “Bob” Conklin.
In keeping with Liane’s generous nature, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Hudson Valley Hospice (by mail to 374 Violet Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or online at https://www.hvhospice.org/donate) or to the Millerton Fire Company at PO Box 733, Millerton, NY 12546.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 8, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY.
Her family will remember her as the strong-willed and caring matriarch who always put them first. She will be deeply missed.
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‘Women Laughing’ celebrates New Yorker cartoonists
Natalia Zukerman
May 06, 2026
Ten New Yorker cartoonists gather around a table in a scene from “Women Laughing.”
Eric Korenman
There is something deceptively simple about a New Yorker cartoon. A few lines, a handful of words — usually fewer than a dozen — and suddenly an entire worldview has been distilled into a single panel.
There is also something delightfully subversive about watching a room full of women sit around a table drawing them. Not necessarily because it seems unusual now — thankfully — but because “Women Laughing,” screening May 9 at The Moviehouse in Millerton, reminds us that for much of The New Yorker’s history, such a gathering would have been nearly impossible to imagine.
The documentary, directed by longtime New Yorker cartoonist Liza Donnelly and filmmaker Kathleen Hughes, traces the uneven history of women cartoonists at the magazine, from their presence in its earliest issues to their near disappearance by the 1950s. But the film does something more interesting still: it lets us watch these artists at work.
“The idea was talking to these women about their process and where their ideas come from,” Donnelly said. “You get to witness these women drawing in the film, and I draw with them.”
“Women Laughing” includes intimate conversations with some of the most celebrated and groundbreaking cartoonists at The New Yorker, including Roz Chast, Emily Flake, Sarah Akinterinwa, Liana Finck, Amy Hwang and Bishakh Som. Donnelly also speaks with Emma Allen, the magazine’s first female cartoon editor. During a dynamic roundtable discussion with 10 cartoonists, viewers also meet artists Emily Sanders Hopkins, Maggie Larson, Arenza Pena-Popo and Victoria Roberts.
“I will confess that it was what I was most worried about,” Hughes said of the technical challenges presented by filming 10 artists at work. “You have 10 people. That’s 10 microphones, six or seven cameras. We didn’t even have a budget for it, but our crew donated all the gear so that we could get it done.”
Hughes was relieved that not only did it work, but it became one of the most memorable parts of the film.
“Frankly, when you put people together and have them talk on screen, it can get tiresome quickly,” Hughes said. “So I’m glad that nobody listened to me when I said I didn’t think we should do this.”
For Donnelly, whose book “Very Funny Ladies” was the impetus for the film, the documentary offered dimensions the printed page could not. For Hughes, whose previous films have examined weightier subjects like economic inequality and gun violence, entering the world of cartoonists brought its own revelations.
“I really did think that the cartoonists were sort of in charge of what was in the magazine,” Hughes said, laughing. “That was probably the biggest revelation.”
What surprised her most was not just the structure of the magazine’s famously competitive submission process — cartoonists submit batches each week and face frequent rejection — but the sheer persistence required to sustain the work.
“It was inspiring to see the dedication everybody had to the craft,” Hughes said. “And how creative everybody is, not just in making the cartoons themselves, but in supporting themselves through it.”
An audience reaction that has surprised both Donnelly and Hughes is the laughter. By the time the filmmakers finished editing, they had seen each cartoon so many times that the humor had become technical material — questions of pacing, framing and sequence. The first public screening changed that.
“All the laughter really kind of blew us away,” Hughes said. “You forget.”
The audience response underscores something else the film makes clear: just how much skill lies behind the apparent simplicity of a single-panel cartoon. Donnelly noted that the form is “a lot harder than you think.” Like the cartoons it celebrates, the documentary values economy and precision. At just 37 minutes, its compact running time reflects that ethos.
“A lot of people have said it’s a great length,” Hughes said. “It’s almost like a cartoon version of a documentary.”
Donnelly appreciates the response she hears most often after screenings.
“You leave them wanting more,” she said.
Like the best New Yorker cartoons, “Women Laughing” says a great deal with remarkable economy, leaving audiences laughing and looking more closely at what appears, at first glance, deceptively simple.
“Women Laughing” will screen at the Moviehouse (48 Main St., Millerton) on May 9 at 7 p.m. followed by a conversation with Liza Donnelly, Kathleen Hughes and cartoonist Amy Hwang. Moderated by local filmmaker Pam Hogan. Tickets at themoviehouse.net
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