Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Plans to revitalize Norfolk’s Infinity Hall unveiled

Plans to revitalize Norfolk’s Infinity Hall unveiled

Infinity Hall, built in 1883.

Jennifer Almquist

Nearly 200 people packed the wooden seats of Norfolk’s historic Infinity Hall on Thursday, May 14, as David Rosenfeld, owner and founder of Goodworks Entertainment Group, a live entertainment and venue management company, unveiled ambitious plans to restore the restaurant and bar, expand programming and reestablish the venue as a central gathering place for the community.

Since the Norfolk Pub closed on Jan. 31, 2026, the need for a restaurant and evening gathering place has become paramount, and for years residents have wanted Infinity Hall to be more engaged with the community.

“We have a real opportunity to bring the residents of Norfolk closer together and add to a community already steeped in a rich history of the arts,” Rosenfeld said. “Thursday’s turnout and the positive energy we experienced are the very reason Goodworks exists. We are thrilled to help support and build upon the vibrant community spirit here.”

Built in 1883, Norfolk Village Hall — the former opera house, barber shop and saloon in the center of Norfolk —was designed by Palliser & Co. In 2007, the building was restored as the 300-seat performing arts theater Infinity Hall.

Goodworks Entertainment Group took over Infinity Hall in April 2019. Rosenfeld said he plans to realign the organization with his original dream of doing good works — hence the name.

He also spoke of a large-scale arts and music festival for Norfolk and of conversations with Melvin Chen, director of the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival–Yale Summer School of Music, about a possible winter classical concert series featuring Yale musicians.

After a question-and-answer session, attendees stayed to enjoy live music, food and drinks organized by Lisa Ludwig, general manager of Infinity Hall.

Nearly 200 people gathered at Infinity Hall to discuss possibilities for its future use.Jennifer Almquist

Norfolk resident Tony Kiser praised Rosenfeld’s vision.

“If there is anything to be done, he’s the guy to do it,” Kiser said. “He’s got the experience, some capital to invest, and he has a vision.”

Henry Tirrell, Norfolk first selectman, welcomed the prospect of renewed activity at the venue.

“I am excited to see an option for dinner and drinks in town, as well as increased activity at Infinity Hall,” Tirrell said.

Cheryl Heller, chair of the Norfolk Economic Development Commission, said the announcement represents an important moment for the town.

“Infinity is a key part of Norfolk’s identity, and for the last few years that it’s been quiet, the community has felt the loss,” Heller said. “This announcement is tremendously exciting, not only because of the new restaurant and programming, but because David’s plans include contributing to the culture and life of the town.”

“I am completely delighted with the new direction,” said Norfolk activist and Economic Development Commission member Libby Borden. “I certainly hope Norfolk supports Infinity Hall in every way.”

Latest News

Nearly 3,000 flags mark the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11

Firefighters, veterans and color guards stand before a hillside covered with nearly 3,000 American flags during Stanford’s ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Photo by Graham Corrigan

STANFORD — Nearly 3,000 flags covered the hillside at Stanford Recreation Park as hundreds of people gathered for the town’s annual ceremony honoring those killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Residents from across the region attended the ceremony, along with veterans groups and fire and rescue crews from Stanford, Millbrook, Amenia, Pine Plains and West Clinton.

Keep ReadingShow less
Former Amenia bank finds new life as coffee shop

Bean Bank Coffee owners Amy and Dave Cocheo stand inside their newly opened coffee shop and bakery at Freshtown Plaza in Amenia on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Photo provided

AMENIA — After an extensive renovation, Bean Bank Coffee has transformed the former Bank of Millbrook branch at Freshtown Plaza into a coffee shop and bakery serving Amenia and the surrounding community.

The business began its gradual opening Monday, Aug. 24, serving coffee and tea through its drive-through window and drawing curiosity from passersby. By Monday, Sept. 7, Bean Bank Coffee was fully open for business.

Keep ReadingShow less
Family taps into craft beer dream at Hopyard Brewery

The restored farmhouse at Hopyard Brewery.

Photo by Graham Corrigan

WASHINGTON HOLLOW — Craft beer fans in northern Dutchess County have a new local haunt to add to their rotation.

The 40-acre Hopyard Brewery at Washington Hollow opened its doors last month on Route 82, joining a small but growing cluster of farm breweries and distilleries that have reshaped the region’s rural crossroads. This month, the brewery is offering house-brewed Oktoberfest beers, Apple Cider Donut Hard Cider and Pumpkin Ale.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

North East authorizes renovation of former Jehovah’s Witness building into Town Hall

The former Jehovah’s Witness hall at 5603 Route 22.

Photo by Graham Corrigan

The Town Board unanimously approved a resolution last week authorizing the town to remodel a former Jehovah’s Witness hall on Route 22 for use as a new Town Hall.

The board also approved a $1,435,813 project cost estimate prepared by engineering firm LAN.

Keep ReadingShow less
Climber dies after 40-foot fall at St. Johns Ledges in Kent

St. Johns Ledges along the Appalachian Trail in Kent, where a 30-year-old Great Barrington man died Thursday, Sept. 10, after falling approximately 40 feet while rock climbing.

Photo by Graham Corrigan

KENT, Conn. — A 30-year-old Great Barrington man died Thursday, Sept. 10 after falling approximately 40 feet while rock climbing at St. Johns Ledges along the Appalachian Trail in Kent.

The man was identified as Collin Salmon, who previously lived in Warren.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kent Tritle’s annual Smithfield organ concert coming up on Sept. 19

Acclaimed organist and choral director Kent Tritle, pictured at the Smithfield Church organ at his 2024 concert, is returning for his annual recital on Saturday, Sept. 19 to benefit the Oratorio Society of New York.

Photo provided

AMENIA — New York Philharmonic organist and acclaimed choral director Kent Tritle will bring his lively, personable and intimate performance style to The Smithfield Church in Amenia on Saturday, Sept. 19. A highlight of the area’s performance season, the 3 p.m. concert will benefit the Oratorio Society of New York, where Tritle serves as Music Director.

This will be the 14th annual organ recital Tritle has performed on the Smithfield Church’s historic 1893 Johnson and Son tracker organ, meticulously restored and moved from its original location at the First Congregational Church in Kent, Conn.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.